Little Rock, Arkansas — A single Powerball ticket holder in Arkansas woke up Christmas morning a billionaire, claiming the $1.817 billion jackpot prize following Wednesday’s Christmas Eve drawing, Powerball officials said.
The win marks the second time a top Powerball prize has been claimed in the state and ranks as the second-largest lottery jackpot in US history.
Powerball officials reported that the winning numbers for Wednesday’s drawing were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, with a Powerball of 19. The jackpot had a lump sum cash value of $834.9 million.
The prize surged higher than expected in the final hours of ticket sales, according to Powerball, following a 46 drawing stretch without a jackpot winner.
“This is truly a historic moment for Arkansas and the United States lottery system,” said Jeremy Thompson, a Powerball spokesperson.
“The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, making this victory extraordinarily rare.” The last major jackpot win occurred on September 6, when a Missouri player and a Texas winner shared a $1.787 billion prize.
Powerball officials noted that the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. Lottery analysts said the Arkansas win highlights the unpredictable nature of large jackpots and the impact of cumulative prize growth.
“The record setting jackpot demonstrates how infrequent wins combined with high ticket sales can drive prizes to historic levels,” said Lisa Garner, a gaming analyst at the National Lottery Institute.
“It also underscores the long odds and statistical improbability that come with such a prize.” Financial advisors cautioned winners on responsible planning.
“Managing a sudden influx of wealth of this magnitude requires careful financial strategy,” said Daniel Whitman, a certified financial planner.
“Winners should seek professional guidance to navigate tax obligations, investment planning, and long term security.”
The $1.817 billion prize is the largest Powerball payout in 2025 and the second largest lottery prize in U.S. history, following a $1.586 billion Mega Millions prize in 2018.
Powerball tickets typically cost $2 each, and prize pools grow through unclaimed jackpots, creating occasional multi billion dollar draws.
Arkansas previously saw a top prize win in 2002, when a state resident claimed a $75 million jackpot. The state’s recent victory underscores growing participation in national lottery draws.
Residents in Little Rock expressed amazement at the holiday win. “It’s incredible to think someone from our state has just become a billionaire overnight,” said Maria Jenkins, a local store owner. “I hope they use it wisely and maybe help the community.”
Others reflected on the odds. “I play occasionally but never expect to win,” said Thomas Ray, a construction worker. “Hearing about this makes me feel like anything can happen, but I also know the chances are extremely slim.”
Powerball retailers reported increased ticket sales in the days leading up to the Christmas Eve draw, with lines stretching outside convenience stores and gas stations.
“People were buying tickets right up to the last minute,” said store clerk Denise Harper. “It really felt like excitement was in the air this holiday season.”
Powerball officials said the Arkansas win may influence participation in upcoming drawings, especially for Mega Millions and Powerball’s next scheduled draws.
“We anticipate heightened ticket sales as word spreads about this historic win,” Thompson said. “It often inspires more people to try their luck despite the low odds.”
Analysts note that lottery jackpots will continue to grow if top prizes remain unclaimed, creating the potential for future billion dollar wins.
“The pattern of no winners for weeks contributes to prize accumulation,” said Garner. “This event exemplifies how national lotteries can capture public attention and create record breaking moments.”
The Arkansas Powerball win marks a rare and historic moment in U.S. lottery history. The $1.817 billion jackpot, with a cash value of $834.9 million, demonstrates both the allure and the statistical improbability of hitting the nation’s largest prizes.
As local residents celebrate and financial experts weigh in on responsible planning, the win reinforces the unpredictable excitement that continues to drive lottery participation across the country.
