Even though the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot drawing held on Christmas Eve was won in Arkansas, ticket sales leading up to the drawing generated more than $79 million combined for New York’s public schools and Lottery retailers.

The Powerball jackpot began rolling September 8, resulting in 47 drawings held until December 24. In New York State, Powerball ticket sales totaled $194.2 million during the run. All of New York’s profits from the sales are constitutionally dedicated to New York’s K-12 public schools, totaling $68 million during this jackpot. Commissions on ticket sales paid to retailers in that time frame across the state totaled $11.7 million.  

“New York’s public schools and lottery retailers always win big when massive jackpots build,” said Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer. “The benefit and the excitement are real in New York State, with nearly 100 winning tickets worth $50,000 or more being sold right here during the jackpot run.”

Multiple New Yorkers won prizes during the Powerball roll up between September 8 and December 24. New York retailers sold $36 million in winning Powerball prizes.

There were 99 prizes of at least $50,000 sold in New York State during the rollup, including:

• Eleven Powerball $1 million second prize winners
• One Power Play $200,000 third prize winner
• Two Power Play $150,000 third prize winners
• Twelve Power Play $100,000 third prize winners
• 73 Powerball $50,000 third prize winners

About the NY Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.6 billion in Lottery Aid to Education for FY 2024-2025 to help support education in New York State.

The New York Lottery is committed to providing players with a range of fun, entertaining games in a socially responsible manner. Those seeking help can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or call New York State’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply.