BREAKING: An Arkansas resident has just claimed the staggering $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot, opting for a one-time cash payment of $834.9 million before taxes. The winning ticket, purchased at a Murphy USA convenience store in Cabot, Arkansas, marks the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.
The news comes after 47 consecutive drawings led to this historic prize, generating over $15 million in ticket sales across Arkansas alone. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, officially claimed their prize from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery earlier today.
Sharon Strong, Executive Director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, expressed excitement about the winner’s decision to consult legal counsel and financial advisors before stepping forward. “Everyone was anxiously waiting for the winner to step forward, but we are happy they took the time to seek legal counsel and financial advice first,” Strong stated. “We’re proud to celebrate this moment, not only for our Arkansas winner but also for the positive impact this historic jackpot will have on our state.”
If the winner had opted for the annuity, they would have received one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. The winning numbers drawn on Christmas Eve were 4, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the red Powerball being 19 and a Power Play multiplier of 2X.
The winning ticket’s sale at Murphy USA not only impacted the winner but also resulted in a $50,000 commission for the store. Retailers across the state benefited from nearly $750,000 in commissions from the jackpot’s ticket sales.
The odds of winning such a massive jackpot stand at an astounding 1 in 292.2 million. This unprecedented win has sparked excitement in Arkansas, with many now discussing how this life-changing amount will impact the winner’s future and the local community.
As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for updates on the winner’s plans and the broader implications of this extraordinary jackpot win.
