$1.8 Billion Powerball Jackpot Winner in Arkansas May Stay Anonymous

A lucky ticket holder in Arkansas has won an estimated $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, marking the second-largest lottery prize in US history. The winning numbers—4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19—were drawn on Monday, bringing excitement and curiosity to the Little Rock suburb of Cabot, home to about 27,000 residents.

Sharon Strong, executive director of the Arkansas Lottery, said the winner has 180 days to claim the prize. Most winners opt for the lump-sum payment, which in this case totals $834.9 million before taxes.

Arkansas law allows winners of prizes over $500,000 to remain anonymous for up to three years, and the state requires winners of over $1 million to appear in person at the claim center. This means the identity of the Powerball jackpot winner could remain a secret for some time.

Other states, including New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona, and Florida, also offer ways for lottery winners to keep their identities private, either through anonymity laws or claiming via trusts and LLCs.

The decision to remain anonymous is often more than a matter of privacy. Lottery winners can face safety concerns, financial exploitation, and pressure from friends and family. Experts advise winners to carefully plan for managing their newfound wealth.