Christmas Jackpot! Arkansas man hits $1.8 billion Powerball, claims second-largest US lottery prize ever - Check how much he’ll actually pocket

An Arkansas man struck it rich on Christmas Eve, winning a staggering $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot, the second-largest lottery prize in US history. The holiday miracle instantly made him one of the country’s wealthiest individuals. While the advertised jackpot is jaw-dropping, the actual payout will be significantly lower depending on whether he opts for the lump sum or annual installments, as well as taxes. The winner has yet to come forward publicly, adding to the excitement and speculation. Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket, marking a momentous holiday for the fortunate player and sparking nationwide buzz.

The single winning ticket matched all six numbers - 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19, with a 2x multiplier - giving the winner the option of a lump-sum cash payout of $834.9 million. According to the lottery operator and reported by the BBC, this is only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been claimed by a ticket sold in Arkansas, the first occurring in 2010. The largest single-ticket prize in U.S. history remains the $2.04 billion jackpot won in 2022 by a player in Altadena, California.

To win the Powerball jackpot, a ticket must match all five white balls and the red Powerball drawn. Each ticket costs $2, with the odds of hitting the jackpot standing at 1 in 292.2 million, according to the game’s organizers. The winner, whose identity remains unknown, now faces two payout choices: take the full $1.817 billion as a 30-year annuity or opt for a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $834.9 million before taxes. If the annuity is chosen, the prize begins with an initial installment, followed by 29 annual payments that grow by 5% each year.

Powerball winning numbers for December 24

The winning numbers for December 24 (Wednesday): 04-25-31-52-59 and the Powerball is: 19. The Powerplay was 2X

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing will take place on Saturday, December 27. Drawings are held three times per week at approximately 10:59 PM ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

What is the Powerball payout?

• Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
• Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
• Match 4 White Balls: $100
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
• Match 3 White Balls: $7
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
• Match Powerball: $4
• Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
• Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
• Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
• Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
• Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
• Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

Deadline to buy Powerball tickets

The Powerball ticket purchase deadline varies by state, so one shouldn’t wait until the last minute. In New Jersey, sales close at 9:59PM on the day of the drawing, while in New York, the cutoff is 10PM.

How to play Powerball?

Powerball tickets cost $2 each, with an optional Power Play for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x (except for the jackpot and Match 5), and up to 10x if the jackpot is under $150 million.

Each player chooses five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. A quick pick option is also available by the lottery machine which randomly generates numbers.

Prizes range from $4 for matching only the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls (except in California), and the jackpot for matching all six numbers.

How many states have Powerball?

Powerball is available in 45 states, along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely played lottery games in the United States.

How to buy Powerball tickets?

Powerball tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals.

Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online through the Jackpocket app in select states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app lets players choose their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings directly from their phone or home computer, providing a convenient digital alternative to in-person purchases.