'Tis the Season for Winning: Powerball Jackpot to Hit $255M

CONCORD, NH - Just in time for the holidays, the New Hampshire Powerball jackpot for Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, is expected to reach $255 million, with an estimated one-time cash payout option of $158.4 million. (Estimated jackpot amounts are before taxes.)

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play. Drawings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 p.m., according to a press statement.

“With a Powerball jackpot of $255 million, someone in New Hampshire could be getting an incredible gift this year,” said Charlie McIntyre, the executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. “Our retailers are reporting strong sales with players stocking up on tickets before the holiday. With an extraordinary Powerball jackpot waiting to be won and with the holiday season in full swing, this truly is the best time of the year.”

The drawing results from Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, were: 16-38-55-63-67 PB-25 with a Power Play of 4.

The Powerball jackpot has been growing since early November. In February 2015, the Powerball jackpot reached $564 million - the third largest Powerball jackpot on record. More recently, the jackpot reached $301 million in September 2015. The largest Powerball jackpot in history was $590.5 million, which was won on May 18, 2013 in Florida.

Powerball tickets are on sale at more than 1,250 retailers in New Hampshire until 9:50 p.m. Saturday.