Florida Powerball Players Miss $1.8B Jackpot But Win Seven $1M Prizes

A historic $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot was won on Christmas Eve. The winning ticket was sold in Cabot, Arkansas. The prize is the second-largest in the game’s history.

Florida players did not win the grand prize. However, seven tickets sold in the state each won $1 million. This news comes from official lottery results confirmed after the December 24th drawing.

Arkansas Ends Jackpot Drought with Record Holiday Win

The lucky Arkansas winner ended a massive jackpot run. The prize had rolled over for 46 consecutive drawings. This pushed the total to nearly $1.8 billion.

The winner has a big choice to make. They can take the annuity paid over 29 years. Or they can opt for a lump-sum payment of roughly $834.9 million before taxes.

This win is significant for Arkansas. According to Reuters, the state had not seen a Powerball jackpot winner in over 15 years. The ticket was sold at a Murphy USA gas station.

Florida’s Million-Dollar Christmas Eve Consolation

While the jackpot went to Arkansas, Florida had its own success. Seven tickets matched all five white ball numbers. Each of those wins is worth a flat $1 million prize.

One confirmed winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Miami. The other six winners have not yet been publicly identified. Lottery officials urge winners to sign their tickets and seek financial advice.

The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball was 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2X. Matching five numbers without the Powerball has odds of about 1 in 11.7 million.

What the Historic Win Means for Future Draws

The jackpot has now reset to an estimated $20 million. This gives every player a fresh chance. Drawings continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

The Christmas Eve frenzy shows the enduring appeal of huge lottery jackpots. It also highlights that major prizes are still possible without hitting the jackpot. Florida’s seven new millionaires are proof of that.

Retailers in Florida and across the country expect continued strong ticket sales. The story of the Arkansas winner will likely inspire more players. The dream of a life-changing payout remains powerful.

The search for the next massive Powerball jackpot winner begins now. While Florida celebrated seven new millionaires, all eyes turn to the next drawing. The Powerball dream is very much alive for players everywhere.

Info at your fingertips

Who won the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot?

The winning ticket was sold in Cabot, Arkansas. The winner’s identity has not been made public yet. They have the option to remain anonymous under Arkansas state law.

Where were the Florida $1 million tickets sold?

One was confirmed at a Publix on NW 41st Street in Miami. The locations of the other six winning tickets have not been released by the Florida Lottery. Winners should check their tickets carefully.

What were the winning Powerball numbers?

The numbers for the December 24 drawing were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2X. Multiple players matched five numbers to win $1 million.

How does this jackpot rank historically?

This $1.817 billion prize is the second-largest ever in Powerball history. It is also among the largest lottery jackpots ever awarded worldwide. The record remains a $2.04 billion Powerball win from 2022.

What happens to the jackpot now?

The Powerball jackpot resets to a guaranteed $20 million for the next drawing. It will begin climbing again if no one wins the top prize. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Florida Lottery Official Report.