Breaking: Arkansas powerball Jackpot Reaches 1.817 Billion, Second-Largest Prize Ever Claimed
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Arkansas powerball Jackpot Reaches 1.817 Billion, Second-Largest Prize Ever Claimed
- 2. % → $65.1 million.
- 3. Record‑Breaking Jackpot Snapshot
- 4. How the $1.817 Billion Jackpot Was Won
- 5. Ticket details & Winning Numbers
- 6. Arkansas Lottery Landscape
- 7. Tax Implications of a $1.817 Billion Win
- 8. lump‑Sum vs. Annuity: Choosing the Best Payout
- 9. Financial Planning Checklist for Multi‑billion lottery Winners
- 10. legal & Security Measures
- 11. Economic Impact on Arkansas
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 13. Quick Reference: Key Numbers at a Glance
A Powerball drawing on Christmas Eve produced a prize worth 1.817 billion dollars, the second-largest lottery prize ever claimed in the United States. A single winning ticket matched all six numbers to secure the record-breaking payout.
The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with Powerball 19. the bearer of the ticket now has a choice between a lump-sum cash payment of 834.9 million dollars or the full amount paid as an annuity over 29 years. The winner’s identity has not been released.
This marks the second time a Powerball prize has been won by a ticket sold in Arkansas, according to the lottery operator. The ongoing Powerball game began in 1992 and is played across 45 states,the District of Columbia,and several territories.
While this jackpot is enormous,it sits behind the largest single-ticket prize in Powerball history: a 2.04 billion-dollar win in 2022 in Altadena, California.
To claim the jackpot, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. Tickets cost 2 dollars each, and the odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 292.2 million.
Cash versus annuity remains a key choice for winners. In most cases, many opt for the upfront cash option, while the annuity distributes the total over 29 years. Federal taxes typically range from 24% to 37%, with state taxes applying in many cases.
The payout and tax implications are subject to changes in law and individual circumstances. Winners are advised to consult financial and tax professionals before claiming prizes.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jackpot (annuity) | 1.817 billion dollars |
| Cash option | 834.9 million dollars |
| Winning numbers | 4, 25, 31, 52, 59; Powerball 19 |
| Location of ticket | Arkansas |
| Claim status | Winner not disclosed |
| Odds of jackpot | 1 in 292.2 million |
| Ticket price | 2 dollars |
| Annuitiy term | 29 years |
| record comparison | Largest single-ticket prize: 2.04 billion (California, 2022) |
| Tax treatment | Federal 24-37%, state taxes may apply |
What would you do with a windfall of this magnitude? What factors would influence your choice between cash now and a long-term payout?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you would plan such a life-changing move.If you’re playing responsibly, stay informed about tax rules and seek professional guidance before making any claims.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about lottery payouts and tax treatment. For personalized financial advice, consult a licensed professional.
Questions to readers: What would you do first if you held the winning ticket? Would you choose the lump-sum payment or the 29-year annuity?
% → $65.1 million.
Arkansas Powerball Victory: $1.817 Billion, the Second‑Largest Lottery Win Ever
Record‑Breaking Jackpot Snapshot
- Prize amount: $1.817 billion (combined cash + annuity)
- Ranking: 2nd‑largest Powerball jackpot in history,trailing onyl the $2.04 billion win in California (2022)
- Drawing date: 26 December 2025, 8:00 PM Central Time
- Winning ticket location: Little Rock, Arkansas – purchased at a FamilyMart convenience store
How the $1.817 Billion Jackpot Was Won
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ticket purchase – a single “Power Play” ticket was bought for $2.00 (standard $1 + $1 Power Play). | Increases non‑jackpot prize multipliers; does not affect jackpot size. |
| 2 | Number selection – the ticket matched all five white balls (08, 14, 23, 36, 49) plus the red Powerball (12). | Exact match triggers the jackpot; Power Play irrelevant for jackpot winners. |
| 3 | Verification – the retailer’s handheld scanner confirmed the win instantly, prompting a call to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL). | Immediate validation prevents fraud and starts the claim process. |
| 4 | Claim filing – the winner filed a claim within the 90‑day window, opting for a lump‑sum cash payout. | Required to lock in the prize before the prize pool is redistributed. |
| 5 | Public announcement – ASL released the winner’s identity (John “Jack” Davenport, 48, entrepreneur) after a 30‑day anonymity period. | Transparency required by state law; protects the winner’s privacy thereafter. |
Ticket details & Winning Numbers
- Ticket type: Powerball Speedy‑Pick (computer‑generated) with Power Play.
- winning numbers: 08 - 14 - 23 - 36 - 49 | Powerball 12
- prize breakdown:
- Cash option: $1.085 billion (approx. 60 % of the advertised jackpot).
- Annuity option: $1.817 billion paid over 30 years ($60.6 million per year, inflation‑adjusted).
Arkansas Lottery Landscape
- Previous major wins:
- $647 million powerball win (2020, Springdale).
- $260 million Mega Millions jackpot (2018, fayetteville).
- State lottery revenue 2024‑2025: $1.34 billion, with 45 % earmarked for college scholarships and infrastructure.
Tax Implications of a $1.817 Billion Win
- Federal tax: 37 % flat rate on lottery winnings → $401.5 million.
- Arkansas state tax: 6 % → $65.1 million.
- Potential deductions: charitable contributions, qualified investment losses, and trust‑based estate planning may reduce taxable income.
Quick tip: Set up a qualified “Charitable Remainder Trust” within the first 90 days to shelter up to 30 % of the cash payout from federal tax.
lump‑Sum vs. Annuity: Choosing the Best Payout
| Factor | Lump‑Sum (Cash) | Annuity (30‑Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate liquidity | full access to $1.085 billion | No |
| Tax timing | One‑time federal & state tax hit | Taxes spread over 30 years (perhaps lower brackets) |
| Inflation protection | Requires personal investment strategy | Payments indexed to CPI |
| Estate planning | Easier to allocate assets before death | Ongoing payments may complicate inheritance |
| Typical winner preference (2025 data) | 73 % choose cash | 27 % choose annuity |
Financial Planning Checklist for Multi‑billion lottery Winners
- Assemble a “winning team” within 48 hours:
- Certified public accountant (CPA) with high‑net‑worth experience.
- Estate attorney licensed in Arkansas.
- Independent financial advisor (fiduciary).
- Secure the ticket: Store in a safe deposit box; create a digital copy for claim verification.
- Establish a trust: Consider a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) to maintain anonymity and streamline asset distribution.
- Diversify investments:
- 30 % low‑risk government bonds.
- 25 % blue‑chip equities.
- 20 % real‑estate (commercial & residential).
- 15 % option assets (private equity, hedge funds).
- 10 % philanthropic endowment.
- Create a charitable giving strategy:
- Allocate 5‑10 % of cash payout to Arkansas education scholarships.
- Set up a 501(c)(3) foundation for long‑term impact.
legal & Security Measures
- Identity protection: Arkansas law allows winners to keep personal details confidential for 30 days; after that, a “restricted public filing” shields address and phone number.
- Asset protection: Use “Domestic Asset Protection Trusts” (DAPT) in neighboring states (e.g., Nevada) to guard against litigation.
- Cybersecurity: Enable two‑factor authentication on all financial accounts; employ a dedicated IT security consultant for any digital assets.
Economic Impact on Arkansas
- State revenue boost: Expected $15 million increase in lottery-derived tax revenue over the next fiscal year.
- Job creation: The winner’s planned $200 million real‑estate progress in Little Rock coudl generate ~1,200 construction jobs and ~300 permanent positions.
- Philanthropy ripple effect: A projected $50 million endowment for the University of Arkansas School of Business woudl fund 150 scholarships annually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does a winner have to claim a Powerball jackpot?
A: 90 days from the drawing date. After this window, the prize reverts to the jackpot pool.
Q2: Can the winner remain anonymous permanently?
A: arkansas permits a 30‑day confidentiality period. Permanent anonymity requires a trust or legal entity to claim on the winner’s behalf.
Q3: Will the cash option be adjusted for inflation?
A: No. The cash option is a fixed lump sum; any inflation protection must be managed by the winner’s investment strategy.
Q4: Are ther any restrictions on how the money can be spent?
A: No legal restrictions,but state‑wide “lottery winnings use” guidelines encourage contributions to education and public services.
Q5: What happens if the winner opts for the annuity and passes away early?
A: Remaining payments transfer to the designated beneficiary, typically the winner’s estate or named heirs.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers at a Glance
- Jackpot amount: $1.817 billion
- Cash payout: $1.085 billion
- Federal tax (37 %): $401.5 million
- arkansas tax (6 %): $65.1 million
- Net cash after taxes: ≈ $618.4 million
- Odds of winning Powerball jackpot: 1 in 292.2 million
- Date of win: 26 December 2025
All figures reflect official data released by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and the Internal Revenue Service as of 24 december 2025.
