Powerball Jackpot Climbs to an Estimated $1.25 Billion Just Days Before Christmas

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The Powerball jackpot continues its remarkable climb, reaching an estimated $1.25 billion just days before Christmas after another drawing produced no grand-prize winner. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

This extraordinary total places the current prize among the largest jackpots in Powerball history, marking only the second time the game has produced back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

Growing Jackpot After Another Roll

The jackpot increased after the most recent drawing when no ticket matched all six numbers — five white balls and the Powerball. That result meant the top prize continued rolling, pushing the estimated annuity value to $1.25 billion, with a lump-sum cash option of approximately $572.1 million before taxes. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

While the grand prize remains unclaimed, several players still scored big in the latest drawing. Smaller tier prizes were paid out across various states, keeping excitement high as the drawing approaches later this week. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

Jackpot Context and Odds

This prize stands as the second-largest Powerball jackpot of 2025, trailing only the $1.787 billion jackpot won in September by players in Missouri and Texas. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

Despite the massive payout on offer, the odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely slim — roughly 1 in 292.2 million — underscoring the challenge facing hopeful participants. ABC7 San Francisco

Holiday Timing and Player Interest

With the next drawing just a few days before Christmas, the soaring jackpot has generated fresh buzz among players nationwide. Tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with draws held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. ABC7 San Francisco

Lottery officials continue to remind participants to play responsibly as anticipation builds around what could be a life-changing win in holiday season. ABC7 San Francisco