Powerball Winner of $1.8 Billion Jackpot Bought Ticket at an Unexpected Spot

As many Americans enter 2026 worried about rising prices and mounting debt, one Powerball winner has started the year on a very different note. On Dec. 30, Powerball officials announced that a single ticket matched all five winning numbers plus the Powerball in the Christmas Eve drawing, securing a $1.817 billion jackpot — the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The winning ticket was purchased at a gas station, and the winner has not yet come forward to claim the prize.

Before the drawing, the Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot had climbed to $1.7 billion, but strong ticket sales pushed the final prize to its historic total, making it the second-highest jackpot ever awarded in the country.

Alejandra Barron, a spokesperson for the company, told local news station Wane15 that a voicemail was left at the store on Friday, but it has not yet been returned. Barron noted that stores are especially busy during this time of year, with many customers buying Powerball tickets. She added that this marks the second time a major jackpot-winning ticket has been sold at a Murphy USA location. Last year, an $800 million Mega Millions ticket was also purchased at a Murphy Express in Sugar Land, Texas.

Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade said the news had the entire community buzzing on New Year’s Eve. “It’s all over Facebook, Twitter. Everyone’s talking about it and wants to know who it is,” Kincade said. However, he pointed out that the gas station sits near an interstate, meaning the winner could be from outside the area. “I hope it’s a citizen from Cabot, of course. That would be wonderful,” he added.

The winner has 180 days, or six months, to claim the prize. They can choose between the annuity option of $1.817 billion or a lump-sum payment of $834.9 million, both before taxes. Lottery winnings are also subject to Arkansas state income tax, which has a top rate of 3.9%. If the winner selects the lump-sum option, they would owe more than $32 million in state taxes.

Under Arkansas law, lottery winners who receive more than $500,000 can request to keep their identity confidential for up to three years. However, if the winner is an elected official or a close relative of one, confidentiality is limited to six months. The Murphy USA 7879 store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $50,000 retailer commission, while proceeds from Powerball ticket sales will help fund Arkansas student scholarships.