Published on: January 2, 2026, 11:58h.
Recently updated on: January 2, 2026, 11:58h.
- The staggering $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot remains unclaimed
- Options include a lost ticket or the winner consulting with experts
- The prize must be claimed by June 22, 2026
The Powerball ticket that won a mind-boggling $1.817 billion in the Christmas Eve drawing, sold in Arkansas, is still unclaimed as the winner has yet to step forward to secure their life-altering reward.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Murphy USA gas station located in Cabot, next to the Walmart Supercenter. According to Arkansas lottery regulations, Powerball winners have until June 26, 2026, to claim their winnings, which is 180 days from the date of the drawing.
It’s important to note that the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery does not allow online ticket purchases; all Powerball tickets must be bought in person from a retailer. Nonetheless, lottery courier services like Jackpot.com and Jackpocket.com facilitate online sales for Arkansas players at a fee, ensuring protection against misplacing a physical ticket.
The winning Powerball ticket from Christmas Eve, valued at $1.817 billion, offers a one-time cash payout of $834.9 million.
Reasons for Delay?
The winner could be delaying their claim due to a lost ticket or could be seeking advice from financial and legal experts before stepping forward.
The law firm Phillips, Hunt & Walker, based in Florida, advises that lottery winners should immediately sign and secure their ticket in a safe place—preferably a waterproof and fireproof location, such as a safe or bank deposit box. They also suggest that winners refrain from discussing their victory with friends or family until consulting a lawyer and a tax professional.
Winners are recommended to opt for anonymity when claiming their prize, if state laws allow it. In Arkansas, winners can maintain their anonymity for up to three years before their identity becomes public.
Once the decision is made between choosing the annuity payout or a lump sum, winners are advised to hold off on large expenditures for at least three months. Establishing a trust with the help of a financial advisor is also recommended to manage the funds and prevent impulsive spending.
“It’s understandable that people want to make significant life changes. However, it’s crucial to be prudent. The choices you make in the first three months with this newfound wealth will shape your financial future. You don’t just want to be rich; you want to build enduring wealth,” explains Phillips, Hunt & Walker.
“Refrain from sudden splurging,” echoed the firm. “Avoid becoming a cautionary tale. Statistics indicate that many lottery winners meet unfortunate fates.”
Missing Lottery Tickets
Let’s hope the Powerball ticket hasn’t been lost, and that the winner is simply taking their time to claim their prize wisely. If the ticket is ultimately not redeemed, the winner will lose the prize money, which will then be reallocated to the state lotteries from where the ticket originated.
Back in 2011, a Powerball ticket sold in Georgia for $77.1 million was never claimed. Purchased at a Pilot Travel Center in Tallapoosa, it was never cashed in. Similarly, a Mega Millions jackpot worth $68 million sold on Christmas Eve in Brooklyn also went unredeemed in 2002.
The largest unclaimed lottery win in US history was part of a $395 million Mega Millions jackpot, with half worth $197.5 million sold in California that was never redeemed.