Big news from the Powerball® world! A ticket sold in Arkansas hit the jackpot, winning a massive $1.817 billion. The cash option stands at $834.9 million. That’s a life-changing amount!
The winning numbers from the Dec. 24 drawing were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball 19. Players had the chance to multiply their winnings with a Power Play® of 2.
This jackpot isn’t just any lottery win; it’s the second-largest in U.S. history and the biggest Powerball prize of the year. “What a thrilling moment for the lucky winner!” said Matt Strawn, chair of the Powerball Product Group. He also reminded everyone that every ticket purchased helps fund community projects across the country.
Interestingly, this is the second time Arkansas has produced a Powerball winner. The first was back in 2010. The ticket holder now faces a choice: take the entire amount in annual payments or grab the cash right away.
But not just the jackpot ticked off big prizes. Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls, each winning $1 million, except in California, where prizes vary based on sales. Plus, there were 114 tickets that won $50,000 and 31 that won $100,000!
In a separate Double Play® drawing, two lucky tickets from Colorado and South Carolina scored $500,000 prizes. Double Play lets players submit their numbers again for a shot at even more winnings. This drawing is streamed live on Powerball.com immediately after the main event.
Last night’s drawing also set a record as the 47th consecutive draw in this jackpot run. The previous jackpot was won on Sept. 6 by tickets in Missouri and Texas that shared $1.787 billion.
For the next drawing this Saturday, the jackpot resets to $20 million. If that excites you, remember, Powerball® tickets cost $2 and are available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over half the ticket proceeds stay in the local area, supporting public services. Since its start in 1992, Powerball has raised over $37 billion for good causes!
Powerball draws happen live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from Florida. You can catch the action on Powerball.com.
By the way, the overall chance of winning something is 1 in 24.9, while the jackpot odds stand at 1 in 292.2 million. With those numbers, it’s no wonder that people are captivated by the thrill of the lottery.
Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots
- $2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA
- $1.817 Billion – Powerball – Dec. 24, 2025 – AR
- $1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX
- $1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 – CA
- $1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL
- $1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
- $1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC
- $1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME
- $1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL
- $1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR
