The Powerball jackpot stands at an estimated $1.25 billion for the December 17, 2025, drawing, offering Maryland players a chance at the second-largest prize of the year. The cash option totals $572.1 million before taxes. Drawings occur at 10:59 p.m. Eastern time from the Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee, with live streams available on Powerball.com.
No ticket matched all six numbers in the December 15 drawing—23, 35, 59, 63, 68 and Powerball 2—with a Power Play multiplier of four. Two tickets in Arizona and California matched the five white balls for $1 million each. Forty-three tickets won $50,000 prizes, and 14 won $200,000. In California, prizes follow pari-mutuel rules based on sales and winners.
This marks the 44th drawing in the current run, a record for Powerball cycles. The jackpot last hit on September 6, when two tickets in Missouri and Texas split $1.787 billion. Back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots have occurred only twice before, including in 2023 with $1.08 billion won July 19 and $1.765 billion on October 11, both in California.
“Powerball has only seen back-to-back to billion-dollar jackpots twice, and this one has arrived just in time for the holidays,” said Matt Strawn, Iowa Lottery CEO and Powerball Product Group Chair. “While it’s exciting to see the jackpot climb to this level, please remember to play responsibly. A single $2 ticket gives you a chance to win, while also supporting good causes in your community.”
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, with options for Power Play at an extra $1 or Double Play for another $1, or both for $3 total. Players select five numbers from one to 69 and one Powerball from one to 26, or opt for quick pick. Tickets are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Maryland, sales occur at authorized retailers until 10 p.m. on drawing days.
Winners choosing the annuity receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments increasing 5 percent each year. The cash option provides a lump sum. Federal taxes withhold 24 percent on prizes over $5,000, and Maryland imposes an 8.95 percent state tax on winnings for residents. For a $1.25 billion annuity, the after-tax take-home varies by filing status, but estimates show significant reductions; for instance, head-of-household filers could face deductions totaling millions.
To claim prizes in Maryland, amounts up to $600 can be redeemed at retailers. Prizes from $601 to $5,000 require a claim form at expanded cashing authority retailers or by mail. For $5,001 to $25,000, claims go to casinos or the Lottery Customer Resource Center. Jackpots and prizes over $25,000 mandate an appointment at the Claims Center in Baltimore, with winners providing a winning ticket, photo ID and proof of Social Security number. Claims must occur within 182 days of the drawing date.
Maryland Lottery proceeds support the state’s General Fund, which funds education, public health and safety programs. In fiscal year 2025, the lottery generated $667.2 million in profits, with $519.2 million directed to the General Fund. Since 1973, when the Maryland Lottery began operations under Director James P. Slicher with initial sales of ping-pong ball lotteries, it has contributed more than $20 billion to state initiatives and awarded nearly $35 billion in prizes.
Overall odds of winning any prize are one in 24.9, while jackpot odds are one in 292.2 million. The game, which replaced Lotto America in 1992, has generated over $37 billion nationwide for causes like education and infrastructure. In Maryland, the lottery expanded to include Powerball in 2010, joining multi-state games that pool resources for larger prizes.
Players are encouraged to set budgets and view tickets as entertainment. Resources for responsible gaming include the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.