Arkansas resident wins .8 billion Powerball jackpot, marking one of the largest lottery wins in history.
A significant milestone in the world of lotteries was achieved on Christmas Eve, when a player in Arkansas won a staggering .817 billion Powerball jackpot. This victory marks the end of a three-month period during which no player had matched all six numbers required to claim the top prize.
The winning numbers drawn on December 24 were 04, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the Powerball number being 19. The final ticket sales for this drawing were elevated due to heightened interest, resulting in the jackpot reaching unprecedented heights, making it the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history and the largest Powerball payout of 2025. For those opting for the lump sum payment, the prize could mean an immediate cash infusion of 4.9 million.
In light of this extraordinary win, Matt Strawn, Chair of the Powerball Product Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery, acknowledged the momentous occasion, highlighting the transformative nature of such a prize. Strawn expressed gratitude to all players, noting that each ticket purchased contributes to funding public programs and services across the nation.
This momentous jackpot followed an impressive streak of 46 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The last winning ticket was sold on September 6, when players in Missouri and Texas collectively won a jackpot of .787 billion. This latest win also marks only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been awarded to a ticket purchased in Arkansas, with the first occurrence dating back to 2010.
Historically, Christmas Eve has been a notable date for Powerball winnings. The last time a jackpot was claimed on this festive occasion was in 2011, adding to the allure of the holiday as an opportunity for life-changing fortune. Furthermore, Powerball has recorded four Christmas Day jackpot wins, the most recent occurring in 2013.
Powerball is known for its challenging odds, with players facing 1 in 292.2 million chances of winning the grand prize, designed to generate large jackpots. However, officials emphasize that the odds are comparatively favorable for smaller prizes within the game. The standard ticket price is set at , accessible in 45 states across the U.S., in addition to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The surge in popularity surrounding this latest jackpot reflects the excitement and hope inherently associated with lottery gaming in the United States, particularly during the holiday season.
This massive Powerball win serves as a reminder of the potential rewards that come with participating in such games, igniting dreams of fortune for players nationwide.
