Two Tickets Split Record $1.8 Billion Powerball Jackpot

History was made on September 7, 2025, when two tickets—sold in Missouri and Texas—matched all numbers to split a $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, the second-largest in U.S. lottery history. The massive prize came after more than three months of rollovers with no grand prize winner, sparking lottery buying frenzies across the states.

The Winning Tickets

The two winning tickets were purchased at a convenience store in Kansas City, Missouri, and a gas station in Houston, Texas. Each ticket is worth approximately $900 million before taxes, or about $430 million if the winners choose the cash option.

The winning numbers were 7, 13, 24, 32, 65, with a Powerball of 19. The Power Play multiplier was 3X, though neither winning ticket included the Power Play option.

Record-Breaking Jackpot

The $1.8 billion jackpot is the second-largest in U.S. lottery history, surpassed only by the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California in November 2022. It's also the largest prize ever to be split between multiple winners.

The jackpot had been rolling over since May 28, 2025, accumulating through 41 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner. During this time, the prize grew from an initial $20 million to the record-breaking $1.8 billion.

Lottery Fever Across America

As the jackpot climbed higher, lottery fever swept across the nation. In the final week before the winning drawing, ticket sales exceeded $500 million nationwide, with some retailers reporting lines of customers waiting to purchase tickets.

The massive jackpot also generated significant revenue for state lottery programs. A portion of ticket sales goes toward education, infrastructure, and other public programs in participating states.

What Happens Next?

The winners have not yet come forward to claim their prizes, which is common for such large jackpots. Winners typically consult with financial advisors, attorneys, and tax professionals before claiming their prize.

In most states, lottery winners have between 90 days and one year to claim their prize, depending on state regulations. Both Missouri and Texas allow winners to remain anonymous, so the public may never learn the identities of the lucky ticket holders.

Tax Implications

The winners will face significant tax obligations on their prizes. Federal taxes will take 24% immediately, with additional taxes owed when filing annual returns, potentially bringing the total federal tax rate to 37% for such a large prize.

State taxes vary by location. Missouri has a state income tax rate of 5.4%, while Texas has no state income tax, meaning the Texas winner will keep more of their prize after taxes.

Advice for Winners

Lottery officials and financial experts advise winners to sign the back of their ticket immediately, store it in a safe place, and seek professional advice before claiming the prize. Winners should consider forming a trust or LLC to claim the prize if their state allows it, which can provide privacy and asset protection.

Financial advisors also recommend that winners avoid making major purchases or lifestyle changes immediately, take time to develop a comprehensive financial plan, and consider the long-term implications of their newfound wealth.