Someone in Arkansas Won $1.8 Billion in Powerball — But Their Identity Will Stay Secret for 3 Years

Arkansas law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, keeping the identity of the second-largest jackpot winner in U.S. history a mystery.

By Jonathan Small | edited by Jessica Thomas | Dec 26, 2025

A lucky person in Arkansas scored a miracle on Christmas Eve, winning the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot — and they might never have to reveal their identity.

A single Powerball ticket sold at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, matched all six numbers in Monday’s drawing, winning an estimated $1.8 billion jackpot — the second largest in U.S. lottery history. The winner can choose between annual payments or a lump sum of $834.9 million before taxes. They have 180 days to claim their prize.

But thanks to Arkansas law, their name won’t become public for three years. Arkansas is one of a growing number of states allowing lottery winners to shield their identities. Since 2021, winners of prizes over $500,000 can remain anonymous, though names become public after three years. Other states like New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona and Florida offer similar protections. The gas station that sold the ticket will receive $50,000.

Read more

A lucky person in Arkansas scored a miracle on Christmas Eve, winning the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot — and they might never have to reveal their identity.

A single Powerball ticket sold at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, matched all six numbers in Monday’s drawing, winning an estimated $1.8 billion jackpot — the second largest in U.S. lottery history. The winner can choose between annual payments or a lump sum of $834.9 million before taxes. They have 180 days to claim their prize.

But thanks to Arkansas law, their name won’t become public for three years. Arkansas is one of a growing number of states allowing lottery winners to shield their identities. Since 2021, winners of prizes over $500,000 can remain anonymous, though names become public after three years. Other states like New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona and Florida offer similar protections. The gas station that sold the ticket will receive $50,000.

Read more

Jonathan Small

Founder, Strike Fire Productions
Entrepreneur Staff
Jonathan Small is a bestselling author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, Entrepreneur, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and Entrepreneur and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV...

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