An Arkansas ticket holder struck the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve, turning a single ticket into a life-changing fortune.
The Winning Ticket
The winning ticket matched all six white ball numbers-4, 25, 31, 52, 59-and the red Powerball 19, plus a 2× multiplier.
Jackpot Size
According to the official Powerball website, the jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.817 billion after the final ticket sales closed. This win ranks as the second-largest lottery jackpot ever claimed in U.S. history and the biggest Powerball prize awarded this year.
Official Reaction
“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”
Arkansas History
This marks only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won with a ticket sold in Arkansas. The first occurred in 2010, according to Powerball officials.
Payout Options
The winner will have the option to receive the prize as an annuity totaling $1.817 billion or as a lump-sum payment of $834.9 million, both before taxes.
Annuity Details
If the annuity is selected, the payout includes an initial payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5 percent each year.
Record Drawings
Tuesday night’s drawing was the 47th of this jackpot run, setting a Powerball record for the most drawings in a single jackpot cycle.
Other Recent Wins
The most recent jackpot win on Sept. 6 saw tickets in Missouri and Texas share a $1.787 billion grand prize, the second-largest in Powerball history.
Odds
The odds of hitting the jackpot are a minuscule 1 in 292.2 million.
Legal Perspective
Attorney Andrew Stoltmann says some of the most vicious legal fights over the lottery come from office lotto pools gone wrong. Here’s what you need to know before you buy in.
Powerball Overview
Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are three drawings per week-Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays-and tickets cost $2 each. Adding the Power Play option, which can multiply winnings by two, three, four, five or 10 times, to a ticket costs an extra $1.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas winner takes home $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, the second-largest U.S. lottery prize.
- Winner can choose a $1.817 billion annuity or $834.9 million lump-sum, both before taxes.
- The 47th drawing set a record for most drawings in a single jackpot cycle.
The win highlights the rare chances of hitting the jackpot and the substantial impact on public programs supported by lottery revenues.
