LANSING, MI — The second largest lottery prize in U.S. history was won Wednesday night as a ticket sold in Arkansas brought home the $1.817 billion jackpot. Ticket sales for the Dec. 24 drawing far exceeded expectations and pushed the grand prize past the advertised $1.7 billion jackpot.
The winner has the choice of receiving the $1.817 billion as an annuity or to take the cash option of $834.9 million.
“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. “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.”…