Powerball is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Millions of people play each week, hoping to win life-changing amounts of money. If you’re a fan of this exciting game, the latest update is here!
The Powerball drawing for December 18, 2024, had everyone buzzing, as the jackpot reached an impressive $69 million. Let’s look at the winning numbers, how to play Powerball, and what you need to know if you win.
What Were the Winning Numbers for December 18?
The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing on December 18, 2024, were:
15, 23, 34, 49, 61, and Powerball 12.
If you matched all these numbers, congratulations! You’re a big winner. Don’t forget, if you didn’t hit the jackpot, you might still win smaller prizes by matching some of the numbers.
How Does Powerball Work?
Playing Powerball is simple:
- Pick Five Numbers: Choose five numbers from 1 to 69.
- Choose a Powerball Number: Pick one number from 1 to 26.
- Buy a Ticket: Each ticket costs $2. You can add a Power Play option for an extra $1 to multiply non-jackpot winnings.
Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.
What Happens If You Win?
If you win the Powerball jackpot, you have two options to receive your prize:
- Lump Sum: Get all your winnings at once. For the $69 million jackpot, this amount would be lower after taxes.
- Annuity Option: Receive payments over 30 years, with the total amount spread out.
Make sure to sign your ticket and contact lottery officials to claim your prize.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Winning Numbers | 15, 23, 34, 49, 61, and Powerball 12 |
| Jackpot Amount | $69 million |
| Drawing Date | December 18, 2024 |
| Ticket Price | $2 per ticket; $3 with Power Play option |
| Power Play Option | Multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times for an extra $1 |
| How to Play | Choose 5 numbers (1–69) and 1 Powerball number (1–26) |
| Drawing Schedule | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 PM ET |
| Jackpot Payment Options | Lump sum (reduced after taxes) or 30-year annuity payments |
| Smaller Prizes | Ranges from $4 (matching Powerball) to $1 million (matching 5 numbers) |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 292.2 million |
| Claiming Winnings | Sign your ticket and contact state lottery officials to claim your prize |
| Where to Check Results | Official Powerball website, news outlets, or participating retailers |
| Deadline to Claim Prize | Varies by state, typically 90 days to 1 year |
What to Do If You Didn’t Win the Jackpot
Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t win the jackpot! Powerball offers many other prizes, ranging from $4 to $1 million, depending on how many numbers you matched.
FAQs
What were the winning numbers for the Dec. 18 Powerball drawing?
The winning numbers for the Dec. 18, 2024, Powerball drawing were 15, 23, 34, 49, 61, and Powerball 12.
What should I do if I win the Powerball jackpot?
If you win, sign your ticket immediately and contact your state lottery office to claim your prize. You can choose between a lump sum or annuity payments.
Can I win a prize if I didn’t match all the numbers?
Yes! Powerball offers smaller prizes for matching some numbers. For example, matching just the Powerball number wins $4.
What is the Power Play option in Powerball?
The Power Play option costs an extra $1 per ticket and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times, depending on the multiplier drawn.
How long do I have to claim my Powerball winnings?
The time to claim your winnings varies by state, but it typically ranges from 90 days to one year from the date of the drawing.
The Powerball jackpot of $69 million is a thrilling opportunity for many. Even if you didn’t win this time, remember that every ticket offers a chance to dream big. Playing responsibly and enjoying the experience is what makes Powerball fun. Check your tickets, and who knows? The next drawing could make you a winner!
