By Dawood Jarral, CFA, Market Policy Analyst |ย Global Economy
A $1.817 billion Christmas deposit has just landed in the Natural State, but the lucky Arkansas Powerball Winner isn’t the only one with a brighter future. Thanks to record-breaking ticket sales, Arkansas students are seeing a massive boost in scholarship funding that will transform the stateโs educational landscape.
The single ticket sold for the December 24, 2025, Powerball drawing ended a record-breaking 47 draw run the longest in the gameโs history. As the winner weighs a life altering choice between a $1.817 billion annuity and an $834.9 million cash lump sum, Arkansas officials are already tallying the hidden win: a massive windfall for the state’s newly reformed scholarship programs.
History: The Top 10 U.S. Jackpots
This win officially redraws the record books, marking only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas.
| Rank | Jackpot Amount | Game | Date | Location(s) |
| 1 | $2.04 Billion | Powerball | Nov 2022 | California |
| 2 | $1.817 Billion | Powerball | Dec 2025 | Arkansas |
| 3 | $1.787 Billion | Powerball | Sept 2025 | MO, TX |
| 4 | $1.765 Billion | Powerball | Oct 2023 | California |
| 5 | $1.602 Billion | Mega Millions | Aug 2023 | Florida |
| 6 | $1.586 Billion | Powerball | Jan 2016 | CA, FL, TN |
| 7 | $1.537 Billion | Mega Millions | Oct 2018 | South Carolina |
| 8 | $1.348 Billion | Mega Millions | Jan 2023 | Maine |
| 9 | $1.337 Billion | Mega Millions | July 2022 | Illinois |
| 10 | $1.326 Billion | Powerball | April 2024 | Oregon |
The Three Year Cloak: Arkansas Anonymity Laws
For the winner, the most valuable asset isn’t just the cash it’s time. Under Arkansas Act 618 (2021), winners of prizes exceeding $500,000 are granted a unique form of temporary protection. They can remain anonymous for exactly three years (1,095 days) from the date the prize is claimed.
This creates a strategic window. While the winner can build legal moats and private trusts in secrecy, the state will eventually pull back the curtain. In late 2028, the winner’s identity will legally become public record. This grace period is a rare middle ground designed to protect winner safety while maintaining public trust.
The ACCESS Effect: Funding Arkansasโs Future
This win comes at a pivotal moment. Earlier in 2025, Arkansas implemented Act 429 (The ACCESS Bill), a higher education reform that doubled freshman scholarship benefits from $1,000 to $2,000. These programs are fueled entirely by lottery proceeds.
Before the winning numbers 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19 were even drawn, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) was already reporting its most profitable year on record. With this final surge in holiday ticket sales, the state is poised to see a surplus that could safeguard tuition assistance for the next decade.
The Tax Landscape: A 2025 Advantage
The winner will benefit from 2025 state legislation that lowered the top marginal income tax rate to 3.9%. For a billionaire, this tax discount is a multi million dollar benefit compared to previous years.
Estimated Payout (Cash Lump Sum):
- Gross Prize: $834,900,000
- Federal Tax (37%): $308,913,000
- Arkansas State Tax (3.9%): $32,561,100
- Estimated Net Take-Home: $493,425,900
Key Takeaways
- Historical Milestone: This $1.817 billion prize is the second largest in U.S. history and the largest ever won by a single ticket in Arkansas.
- 1,095 Days of Privacy: Act 618 allows the winner to stay anonymous until late 2028, providing a critical safety buffer.
- Education Windfall: Record ticket sales have fully funded the 2025 ACCESS scholarship increases, benefiting students statewide.
FAQ
Where was the winning Arkansas Powerball ticket sold?
The specific retailer name and city are typically released by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery within 24 hours. The retailer will receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Can the Arkansas Powerball winner stay anonymous?
Yes. Under Arkansas Act 618, winners of more than $500,000 can request to remain anonymous for three years from the date the prize is claimed.
What were the winning Powerball numbers for Dec 24, 2025?
The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52, 59 with a Powerball of 19.
How much tax does a lottery winner pay in Arkansas in 2025?
Arkansas winners pay a top marginal rate of 3.9% as of 2025. This is in addition to the 37% federal income tax bracket for high earners.
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