Powerball Jackpot Hits $820M with No Winner, Raising Stakes for Next Draw

The Powerball jackpot reached $820 million for the December 6 drawing, marking the eighth-largest jackpot in the game's history. The winning numbers for this drawing were 13, 14, 26, 28, 44, with the Powerball number 7. No ticket matched all six numbers, so the grand prize rolled over, increasing the jackpot for the next drawing. The Power Play multiplier was 2X, doubling prizes for non-jackpot winning tickets. The advertised jackpot of $820 million reflects the annuity value, paid over 29 years, while the lump-sum cash option was approximately $378.2 million before taxes. Winners must choose between the annuity option, which provides guaranteed annual payments, and the lump sum, which offers immediate funds but comes with significant upfront tax liabilities. Federal tax withholding applies to prizes, and many states impose additional taxes, with state tax obligations varying widely. Lottery winners should be aware of state-specific claiming procedures and deadlines, which differ significantly. Prizes under $600 can typically be claimed at retailers, while larger prizes require direct contact with state lottery offices. Some states allow anonymity for winners through trusts or LLCs, whereas others mandate public disclosure. Powerball drawings occur three times weekly, and ticket sales typically close about an hour before the draw. The continued rollover of jackpots contributes to rising prize pools, maintaining high player engagement and market activity in the lottery sector. This cycle impacts insurance related to prize payments and the regulatory environment for state lottery operations.