A Powerball winner in Arkansas scooped a historic $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve, making it the second-largest lottery prize ever awarded. The winning ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, northeast of Little Rock, ending a three-month winless streak for the game.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Jackpot amount: $1.817 billion, second-largest U.S. lottery prize ever
- Winning numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and Powerball 19, drawn December 24, 2025
- Ticket location: Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, outside Little Rock
- Cash payout option: $834.9 million lump sum payment available to the winner
Historic Second-Largest Jackpot Milestone
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Arkansas lottery wins $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve, here’s what happens to the money
The $1.817 billion prize ranks as only the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, surpassed only by the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California in November 2022 by Edwin Castro. According to Powerball officials, Wednesday’s drawing was the 47th consecutive jackpot cycle without a winner, setting a record for the longest jackpot run in the game’s history.
The Christmas Eve win comes at a particularly festive time, making it a stocking stuffer for the ages. Last-minute ticket sales in the final hours before the drawing pushed the final jackpot to $1.817 billion, up from the initially announced $1.7 billion.
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This is only the second time in Powerball history that back-to-back winning jackpots have topped $1 billion. The previous billion-dollar winner occurred on September 6, 2025, when tickets from Texas and Missouri split a $1.787 billion jackpot.
Where the Winning Ticket Was Sold
The lucky ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA convenience store located in Cabot, Arkansas, a town situated northeast of Little Rock. The store location becomes the most fortunate retail outlet in Arkansas Powerball history, as this marks only the second Powerball jackpot ever won by a ticket sold in the state.
While lottery officials have not released the exact time the ticket was purchased, sources confirm the winner has yet to come forward publicly. The winner remains anonymous, and under Arkansas lottery regulations, they have up to one year to claim their prize.
Gas station retailers benefit significantly from jackpot sales, with Murphy USA earning a substantial bonus from this historic win. The store’s name will become synonymous with one of the biggest lottery moments in recent memory.
Understanding Your Payout Options
| Payout Option | Details |
| Annuity (30 years) | $1.817 billion paid with initial payment plus 29 annual payments |
| Lump Sum (Cash) | $834.9 million one-time payment before taxes |
| Federal Tax Withholding | 24% automatic withholding, additional taxes owed at filing |
| State Tax | Arkansas state taxes applicable on winnings |
Powerball’s Journey to a Historic Prize
Powerball jackpots grow when multiple drawings occur without a grand prize winner. The 47-drawing cycle ending on Christmas Eve 2025 represents unprecedented demand for tickets, with millions of players hoping to win big during the holiday season. Each drawing without a winner rolls the jackpot forward, increasing the potential payout for the lucky eventual winner.
The December 24, 2025 drawing proved magical for one Arkansas player whose single ticket matched all six winning numbers. Beyond the jackpot, eight other tickets matched all five white balls plus the Powerball, earning $1 million each, while countless other players won lesser prizes ranging from $4 to $500,000.
For perspective on Powerball history, the top 10 largest jackpots include wins from California, Missouri, Texas, and Florida. The second-place finish of this Arkansas win demonstrates the astronomical odds and extraordinary amounts involved in America’s favorite multi-state lottery game.
What Happens Next for the Winner?
The Arkansas Powerball winner has approximately one year from the December 24, 2025 drawing date to claim their prize. Winners typically consult with financial advisors, attorneys, and tax professionals before deciding between the annuity and lump sum options. Many jackpot winners choose the cash option for immediate access to funds, though the annuity provides stability over 30 years.
Unlike some states, Arkansas allows lottery winners to claim prizes through trusts or legal entities, which can help maintain privacy if desired. The winner will need to visit the Arkansas Lottery headquarters to complete the official claim process and undergo verification procedures.
Tax obligations are substantial, with the federal government taking 24% immediately from the winnings. The remaining amount is subject to additional federal income tax plus Arkansas state income tax, potentially reducing the final windfall considerably from the headline-grabbing $1.817 billion figure.
Watch: Arkansas Powerball Winner Announcement
Sources
- Associated Press – Powerball jackpot winner announcement and verification
- NBC News – Christmas Eve drawing results and prize details
- CBS News – Historic second-largest jackpot achievement and payout options
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.