Cabot, Arkansas – In a historic event that’s bringing excitement across Arkansas and beyond, the winning ticket for the second-largest Powerball jackpot in history was sold at a gas station in Cabot right before Christmas. The jackpot, worth a staggering $1.817 billion, is also the second-largest ever awarded in U.S. lottery history.
The life-changing ticket was purchased at Murphy USA 7879, located at 208 S. Rockwood in Cabot, for the December 24 drawing. The winning numbers drawn were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, with the Powerball number 19 and a Power Play multiplier of 2.
The lucky individual who bought the winning ticket now faces a momentous choice—either take the annuitized prize of $1.817 billion paid out over time or accept a lump sum of $834.9 million before taxes.
Jackpot Brings Benefits Beyond the Winner
While the identity of the jackpot winner has not yet been revealed, state officials and the public alike are celebrating the win’s broader impact. According to Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) Executive Director Sharon Strong, the win is more than just a lucky break for one person. “This is a great moment for the state of Arkansas,” said Strong. “For one thing, it will contribute positively to the state tax revenue. Beyond that, the winning ticket was sold at an Arkansas-based company, Murphy USA, bringing the impact full-circle. It demonstrates how beneficial the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is to our state, from the players’ winnings to the retailer commissions that support our local communities and, ultimately, the funds raised for in-state scholarships.”
The Arkansas-based retailer, Murphy USA, is set to receive a $50,000 commission for selling the winning ticket. And the state of Arkansas will also gain, with 3.9% of the winnings withheld for state taxes, supporting public funds.
The funds raised by Powerball ticket sales continue to support ASL’s mission of helping Arkansas students attend college through in-state scholarships. Since its launch, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has contributed hundreds of millions toward educational opportunities for residents.
Winner Has Limited Time to Claim Prize
As excitement builds, residents are wondering who the mystery winner might be. According to state law, the individual who purchased the ticket has 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. And under Arkansas’s anonymity policy, the winner may remain anonymous for up to three years, unless they are an elected official or closely related to one.
Those wishing to verify if they hold the winning ticket can find instructions on how to begin the claim process on the ASL’s official website: MyArkansasLottery.com.
Authorities Warn Against Fake Claims
In the aftermath of the jackpot announcement, lottery officials are cautioning the public not to submit counterfeit or doctored tickets in hopes of cashing in on the buzz. Several individuals have reportedly taken to social media claiming to have the winning ticket.
“With several people claiming to hold the winning ticket on social media, we want to remind everyone: any attempt to claim lottery money fraudulently is a Class D felony in Arkansas,” said ASL Director of Investigation and Enforcement Blake Hudson. “Fraudulent tickets will be subject to investigation and could lead to arrest.”
ASL assures that every winning ticket is authenticated through a strict validation process, which cannot be bypassed or faked.
Other Big Winners Across the State
While the $1.8 billion jackpot grabbed national headlines, two other Arkansas players also had reason to celebrate after the Dec. 24 drawing. A $100,000 ticket was sold at Walmart #5837 Fuel Station in Rogers, while another ticket worth $50,000 was sold at Cantrell Mart Inc., located at 16000 Cantrell Road in Little Rock.
The ticket purchased in Rogers has yet to be claimed, and the holder is urged to check their numbers and claim the prize before the 180-day deadline expires.
Powerball Drawings Continue with New Prizes
Although the historic jackpot has now been claimed, Powerball is still offering players the chance to win big. The next drawing, scheduled for Wednesday night, holds an estimated jackpot of $45 million.
As the holiday season winds down, the lucky Cabot ticket buyer may well be preparing for a new life as a multi-millionaire—or billionaire—while Arkansas celebrates a historic win that benefits not just one resident, but the entire state.
