Two Powerball Tickets Win $1.787 Billion, Second-Largest Jackpot in U.S. Lottery History

On September 6, 2025, two Powerball tickets sold in Missouri and Texas matched all six numbers—11, 23, 44, 61, 62, and the red Powerball 17—winning a combined jackpot of $1.787 billion, the second-largest in U.S. lottery history. The Texas ticket was purchased at Big's 103 in Fredericksburg, located at 11905 E U.S. Highway 290. The location where the Missouri ticket was sold has not been disclosed as of September 7, 2025.

Each winner can choose between an annuitized prize of $893.5 million, paid over 30 years, or a lump sum payment of $410.3 million, both before taxes. This jackpot followed 42 consecutive drawings without a winner since May 31, 2025. Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Powerball is a multi-state lottery game that began in 1992. Players select five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. Jackpot winners can opt for either annuity payments spread over 30 years or a one-time cash payout. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

This $1.787 billion jackpot is the second-largest in U.S. lottery history, following the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California on November 7, 2022. The previous record for the longest jackpot run was 41 consecutive drawings without a winner, which this run surpassed by reaching 42 drawings.

Winning such a substantial lottery prize can have profound effects on the winners' lives, including potential changes in personal relationships, financial management challenges, and increased public attention. Historically, some lottery winners have faced difficulties managing sudden wealth, leading to financial and personal issues. Additionally, large jackpots often lead to increased lottery participation, which can have both positive and negative societal impacts, such as increased funding for public programs and concerns about gambling addiction.

Lottery winnings are subject to federal and, in many cases, state taxes. The lump sum and annuity options have different tax implications, and winners often consult financial advisors to manage their newfound wealth. Additionally, some states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, while others require public disclosure, which can impact winners' privacy and security.

The recent Powerball jackpot win highlights the life-changing potential of lottery games. However, it also underscores the importance of careful financial planning and awareness of the psychological and social challenges that can accompany sudden wealth.