Historic Powerball Jackpot Claimed in Arkansas
A single Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas has changed the life of one lucky player, who matched all six numbers in the December 24, 2025, drawing to win a staggering $1.817 billion jackpot. This win marks the second-largest Powerball prize ever awarded and the fourth-largest lottery jackpot in United States history. The winning numbers drawn on Christmas Eve were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, with the red Powerball number 19 and a Power Play multiplier of 2x. The ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, a city near Little Rock, Arkansas.
The winner, who has not yet been publicly identified, now faces the choice between receiving the full jackpot as an annuity paid over 30 years or taking a one-time lump sum cash payment. For this drawing, the cash option is estimated at $834.9 million before taxes. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery confirmed the sale and is preparing for the winner to come forward. This is only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas, with the previous win dating back to 2010.
Eight New Millionaires Across the Country
While the Arkansas ticket claimed the top prize, the Christmas Eve drawing also created eight new millionaires in other states. These players matched all five white balls but missed the red Powerball, earning the $1 million Match 5 prize. The winning tickets were sold in Ohio, California, Indiana, Michigan, two in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In Ohio, the lucky ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in Cincinnati, adding to the state’s growing list of recent lottery winners.
These million-dollar prizes are awarded before taxes, and winners can claim their money as a lump sum. The odds of winning the Match 5 prize are about one in 11.7 million, making these wins especially notable. In addition to the million-dollar winners, several other tickets across the country won prizes of $50,000 and $100,000, thanks to the Power Play multiplier.
Record-Breaking Jackpot Run Ends
The December 24 drawing ended a historic run of 47 consecutive Powerball drawings without a jackpot winner, the longest streak in the game’s history. The previous jackpot was won on September 6, 2025, when two tickets from Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize. The long gap between winners led to a surge in ticket sales, which pushed the jackpot higher than initially expected. According to Powerball Product Group Chair Matt Strawn, the record-breaking run generated significant proceeds for public programs across the country, as a portion of every ticket sold supports education and other state initiatives.
How Powerball Works and Where to Play
The Powerball game is played in 45 states, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2 each, with the option to add Power Play for an extra $1, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to 10 times. Another $1 can be spent on Double Play, giving players a second chance to win up to $10 million in a separate drawing.
Tickets are available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online in some states, such as through the Ohio Lottery website. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time and are streamed live on the official Powerball website. Players can check winning numbers on state lottery websites or directly on the Powerball site.
Odds and Prize Options
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about one in 292.2 million, making it one of the most difficult lottery prizes to win. However, there are nine different prize tiers, ranging from $4 for matching just the Powerball to the multi-million-dollar jackpots. Winners of the top prize can choose between an annuity, paid out over 29 or 30 years with increasing annual payments, or a lump-sum cash payment. All advertised amounts are before federal and state taxes, which can significantly reduce the final payout.
Recent Lottery Luck in Ohio and Beyond
While Ohio did not claim the top prize in this drawing, the state has seen its share of lottery luck in 2025. Earlier in the year, a Mega Millions ticket sold at a Giant Eagle in South Euclid, Ohio, won a $112 million jackpot. The recent $1 million Powerball win in Cincinnati adds to a growing list of big winners in the state. Lottery officials encourage players to check their tickets carefully, as many prizes go unclaimed each year.
What’s Next for Powerball Players?
With the Christmas Eve jackpot now claimed, the Powerball jackpot resets to $20 million for the next drawing, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025. The cash value for the new jackpot is estimated at $9 million. Lottery officials expect continued strong interest, as even smaller jackpots can change lives. Players are reminded to purchase tickets before the cut-off time, which varies by state but is usually one to two hours before the drawing.
Community Impact and Responsible Play
The excitement surrounding large jackpots often leads to increased ticket sales, which in turn boosts funding for public programs. In Arkansas, proceeds from the lottery support scholarships for students, while in other states, funds may go to education, infrastructure, or other community needs. Lottery officials urge players to play responsibly, reminding everyone that the odds of winning the jackpot are extremely low. For those who do win, financial experts recommend seeking professional advice before claiming large prizes.
Looking Back at Powerball History
The December 24, 2025, win is only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas. The largest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won by a single ticket in Altadena, California, in 2022. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have proven lucky for some players in the past, with previous jackpots won on these holidays in 2011 and 2013. The Powerball game, which began in 1992, has created hundreds of millionaires and several billionaires over the years.
Conclusion: A Life-Changing Holiday for Lottery Winners
The Christmas Eve Powerball drawing brought life-changing news to one Arkansas player and eight new millionaires across the country. As the winner prepares to claim their prize, communities in Arkansas, Ohio, and other states celebrate the excitement and hope that comes with every ticket sold. With the next drawing just days away, the dream of winning big continues for millions of Americans. For now, the spotlight shines on Arkansas, where a single ticket has turned a holiday wish into a billion-dollar reality.
