Curiosity Grows Over Identity of $1.8 Billion Powerball Lottery Winner in Cabot, Arkansas

The second-largest U.S. Powerball lottery jackpot ever was won by a person who purchased a ticket in Cabot, Arkansas, and now anticipation is growing about their identity.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, just outside of Little Rock, according to NBC News. "Everybody in Arkansas is trying to figure out who defied those odds," NBC News reported. The network sent a reporter to the gas station on Christmas Day, but it was closed.

According to NBC News, Arkansas law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous for three years - if they choose. Whether this winner will stay out of the spotlight or release their name is not yet clear.

"With final ticket sales, the Powerball jackpot reached $1.817 billion, making it the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won and the largest Powerball prize this year," the Powerball lottery said in a news release. Who won the largest jackpot ever? That would be Altadena, California, resident Edwin Castro, who won $2.04 billion playing the Powerball lottery in 2022.

The Powerball Lottery Ticket Winner Was Advised to 'Take a Selfie' With the Ticket

"Curiosity is building about the state's newest billionaire" in Arkansas, NBC News reported. Whoever won the ticket should sign it and then "take a selfie with it," according to NBC News.

"The Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas! A single ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers drawn last night to win a $1.817 billion jackpot. The jackpot has a cash option of $834.9 million," the Powerball lottery wrote in the news release.

• "The winning numbers in the Wednesday, Dec. 24 Powerball drawing were white balls 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and red Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2," the release says.
• This "marks the second time the Powerball jackpot has been won by a ticket sold in Arkansas; the first was in 2010," the lottery wrote.

“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, in the release. “We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”

Where Is Cabot, Arkansas?

Cabot is located about 25 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas.

"From its humble beginnings in 1873 as a water stop on the Cairo & Fulton Railroad, Cabot has grown into the largest city in Lonoke County. Incorporated on November 9, 1891, it now boasts a population of 27,000, making it the 19th largest city in Arkansas," the city's website says.

"With a trade area exceeding 150,000 people, Cabot is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. The city offers the resources and amenities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining the charm and close-knit community feel of a small town," the website adds. "With this growth in education, the city has proactively cultivated residential developments, expanded commercial sites, and invested in community development. These efforts have strengthened Cabot’s ability to retain and attract businesses."

Related: Michigan Woman Won $1 Million Lottery Scratch-Off on Late-Night Snack Run