If you won the Powerball jackpot, would you choose to remain anonymous?
The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
One lucky person in Arkansas has won the second-highest Powerball jackpot in history, but it could be years before their identities are revealed to the public.
On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, after months of growing Powerball jackpots, someone finally got lucky and won a fortune. Let’s talk about great Christmas presents!
The $1.817 billion jackpot was won on a single ticket. If the lucky winner chooses to take the cash option, they will receive an estimated $834.9 million.
If the winner chooses to remain anonymous, the world will not know who won the grand prize, but only for a limited time.
Here’s what you need to know:
Can Arkansas Lottery Winners Stay Anonymous?
Yes, according to Arkansas law. If you win more than $500,000 in the lottery, you can choose to remain anonymous. However, after three years, the names of those who claimed the jackpot will be made public. This law was enacted in 2021.
This is the second time in the game’s history that the jackpot was won by a ticket sold in Arkansas. The first time was in 2010.
See other states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous
More than a dozen states allow winners to receive prizes anonymously, and in some places, such as Arizona and Virginia, the terms depend entirely on the amount won.
Michigan, Ohio, the Territory of Puerto Rico and other states have special anonymity provisions.
Only 10 states allow true anonymity, including Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyoming.
Has anyone else won the Powerball jackpot?
No other ticket won the Powerball jackpot, but Powerball said tickets sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as two tickets sold in New York, won the Match 5 prize of $1 million.
In addition, 114 tickets sold across the U.S. won $50,000 prizes and 31 won $100,000 prizes. Two more tickets won $500,000 in double-play drawings in Colorado and South Carolina.
Powerball winning numbers for December 24, 2025
The winning numbers for Wednesday, December 24th drawing are: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the powerball 19. The multiplier for “power play” is 2x.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of the USA TODAY Network.
What are the top 10 Powerball jackpots?
- $2.04 billion – acquired in California on November 7, 2022
- $1.1817 billion – won in Arkansas on December 24th
- $1.787 billion – Won in Montana and Texas on September 6, 2025
- $1.765 billion – acquired in California on October 11, 2023
- $1.586 billion – acquired on January 13, 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- $1.326 Billion – Earned in Oregon on April 6, 2024
- $1.08 billion – acquired in California on July 19, 2023
- $842.4 million – earned in Michigan on January 1, 2024
- $768.4 million – acquired in Wisconsin on March 27, 2019
- $758.7 million – acquired in Massachusetts on August 23, 2017
2025 was a big year for Powerball. The September jackpot reached $1.787 billion, making it the second-highest amount in the game’s history. Two people from Fredericksburg, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri won the jackpot.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing will take place on Saturday, December 27th at 10:59pm ET.
Because someone won the grand prize, the jackpot resets to an estimated $20 million, with a cash value of $9.2 million.
How to play Powerball
To play Powerball, you must purchase a $2 ticket. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls with numbers from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes.
“Power Play” multipliers allow you to increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
If you’re feeling unlucky or just want to let the computer do the work for you, you can take advantage of the “Quick Pick” option, where a computer-generated number is printed on your Powerball ticket. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.
Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythese states and territories of the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
