UPDATE: A single ticket in Arkansas has just claimed a staggering $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot, marking one of the largest lottery wins in U.S. history. The winning numbers drawn on Christmas Eve were: 25-59-4-52-31 with Powerball 19.
This jackpot not only becomes the second-largest in U.S. lottery history but also the largest Powerball prize awarded this year. The cash option for the winner stands at an impressive $834.9 million.
Nationwide, excitement is surging as the jackpot reached this monumental amount, and it represents a significant moment for lottery enthusiasts. The odds of winning such a colossal prize are a daunting 1 in over 292 million, making this victory even more remarkable.
The previous record for Powerball winnings was set at $2.04 billion in November 2022, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this latest win. This event marks the second time that a Powerball jackpot has been won by a ticket sold in Arkansas, the first being in 2010.
In addition to the jackpot winner, eight tickets across the country matched all five white balls, including two in New York and one in Pennsylvania. Powerball tickets, priced at $2 each, are sold in 45 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As the excitement builds, the impact of lottery proceeds is noteworthy, with more than half of all ticket sales remaining within the jurisdiction where sold. Since its inception in 1992, Powerball has generated over $36 billion for various public causes supported by U.S. lotteries.
Looking ahead, players are urged to continue purchasing tickets as the next Powerball drawing is set for Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. This massive win serves as a reminder of the life-changing possibilities that the lottery can bring.
For anyone struggling with gambling addiction, help is available through the State’s confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and don’t forget to check your tickets! This jackpot is sure to inspire hope and excitement across the nation.
