Arkansas Powerball Player Wins $1.817 Billion Jackpot
An Arkansas resident has achieved a remarkable feat by winning a Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion in the Christmas Eve drawing held on December 24, 2025. This win marks the end of a three-month period without a major winner.
Winning Numbers and Prize Details
The numbers drawn for this historic jackpot were 04, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the Powerball being 19. Final ticket sales significantly increased the jackpot, making it the second-largest in U.S. lottery history. The prize surpassed expectations, and the lump-sum cash option came to $834.9 million.
Impacts of the Jackpot
- The jackpot was won after 46 consecutive drawings without a winner.
- The previous jackpot winner was on September 6, when tickets from Missouri and Texas won $1.787 billion.
- This is the second Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas, the first occurring in 2010.
Significance of the Win
Matt Strawn, the Powerball Product Group Chair and CEO of the Iowa Lottery, expressed his congratulations, stating, “This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize.” He also noted the importance of player participation in supporting public programs across the nation.
Historical Context
The last Christmas Eve jackpot winner prior to this was in 2011. Additionally, Powerball jackpots have been won on Christmas Day four times, with the latest occurrence in 2013. Players should note that while the odds of winning the jackpot stand at 1 in 292.2 million, the game offers better chances for smaller prizes.
Playing Powerball
Tickets for Powerball cost $2 each. The lottery is available in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This latest win has sparked excitement among many, with some players like Indianapolis glass artist Chris Winters buying tickets impulsively as “Why not?”
The Arkansas Powerball player’s monumental win has not only changed their life but also reignited interest in the lottery game across the country.
