Somebody out there is waking up very differently today. One lucky gamer in Arkansas, U.S., matched all six numbers and straight-up smashed the $1.817 billion Powerball® jackpot, according to lottery officials.

One ticket. One moment. Life flipped forever.

The winning numbers from the Wednesday, Dec. 24 draw were: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19. The Power Play® multiplier came in at 2, just adding more juice to an already legendary night.

Now here’s the real “what would you do?” part: the winner gets to choose between the full $1.817 billion annuity or a lump-sum cash option of $834.9 million. Either way? That’s generational money.

And if you’re already thinking about the next shot, Powerball doesn’t waste time. The jackpot for the Saturday, Dec. 27 drawing resets to $20 million, or $9 million cash.

For international adults, Powerball tickets are commonly accessed through The Lotter website.

U.S. players can check out tickets directly via the official Powerball® site.

"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. He also gave a shout-out to players nationwide, noting that ticket sales help support public programs and services across the country.

And it wasn’t just the jackpot winner eating good.  Eight tickets matched all five white balls, scoring $1 million each. Those tickets were sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, New York (two winners), Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

On top of that, the draw also created 114 tickets winning $50,000 and 31 tickets winning $100,000.

You can catch the live draw straight from Tallahassee, Florida, at 11 p.m. ET, or stream it on the Powerball® website.

Meanwhile, the other heavyweight is still climbing. Mega Millions®  is currently sitting at a $138 million jackpot, or a $63 million cash option for those who want it upfront. The next drawing goes down on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Eligible U.S. players can find Mega Millions details on the official website.

While international adults often jump in through The Lotter website.

That Mega Millions prize kept growing after no one matched the previous winning numbers: 9, 19, 31, 63, 64, with Mega Ball 7. 

And don’t forget, the Megaplier can seriously boost smaller wins, multiplying prizes up to 10x their original amount.

The drawing happens live from Atlanta, Georgia, at 11 p.m. ET, and you can catch the video right after on the Mega Millions® website.

Jackpots like these are why the lottery stays undefeated. One ticket, one draw, and boom, millionaire or billionaire status. For eligible adults, it’s all about timing, luck, and believing that somebody’s gotta win...  why not you?  

Lotto Direct Limited is operating www.TheLotter.com. The firm is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority; License Reference MGA/B2C/402/2017.  The Lotter is also licensed in Mexico under Representacions Móviles SA de CV, Colonia Juares, Ciudad de México, C.P. 06600. Gambling is allowed to 18+ only.  It can be harmful if not controlled.


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The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of A.M. Costa Rica. The newspaper assumes no responsibility for the content.

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