Arkansas Powerball Winner Claims Historic $1.8 Billion Christmas Jackpot

A winner has claimed the historic $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot. The prize was won on Christmas Eve in Cabot, Arkansas. This is the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

The winner came forward this week to secure their fortune. They purchased the lucky ticket at a Murphy USA gas station. This win ends a massive 47-drawing jackpot roll.

The Winner Steps Forward After Holiday Draw

Arkansas lottery officials confirmed the winner’s claim this week. The person has chosen to remain anonymous for now. They validated the single ticket that matched all numbers from the December 24 draw.

According to the Associated Press, the winner selected the cash option. This provides a one-time payment of $834.9 million before taxes. The decision between cash and annuity is a major choice for any jackpot recipient.

The Christmas Eve drawing captivated the nation. Last-minute sales surged the final jackpot to $1.817 billion. It marked a festive end to a record-setting jackpot run.

Breaking Down the Massive Payout and Taxes

The winner’s financial reality involves significant tax obligations. The federal government withholds 24% immediately from the winnings. Arkansas state income tax will also apply to the remaining sum.

After estimated taxes, the winner’s take-home lump sum could be roughly $500 million. This is still a life-altering amount of money. Financial experts always advise winners to assemble a team of lawyers and advisors.

The store that sold the ticket also gets a reward. Murphy USA in Cabot will receive a bonus of $50,000. This is standard practice for retailers that sell grand prize tickets.

This Arkansas Powerball winner now joins an elite club of the nation’s biggest lottery victors, forever changing their life with a single Christmas Eve ticket.

Info at your fingertips

Who won the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot?

An anonymous winner from Arkansas claimed the prize. The ticket was bought at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot. The winner came forward several weeks after the Christmas Eve drawing.

How much is the cash payout for the Powerball jackpot?

The cash option for this jackpot is $834.9 million. This is the amount before any taxes are taken out. The winner chose this lump sum instead of the 30-year annuity.

What were the winning Powerball numbers?

The winning numbers for the December 24 drawing were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2X. Multiple tickets won smaller prizes matching five numbers.

Can a Powerball winner stay anonymous in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas is one of the states that allows winners to remain anonymous. The winner can claim the prize through a trust or legal entity. Their identity is protected from public disclosure.

What is the largest Powerball jackpot ever won?

The largest jackpot was $2.04 billion, won in California in November 2022. This Arkansas win is now the second-largest. Both prizes exceeded $1.7 billion, highlighting recent jackpot growth.

How long did it take for the Powerball winner to claim the prize?

The winner claimed the prize several weeks after the draw. Arkansas gives winners 180 days from the draw date to come forward. This allows time for planning and legal preparation.