A lucky lottery player in the US state of Arkansas has won the US$1.8 billion Powerball prize, the second-largest American lottery jackpot ever won, the gambling game's organiser said on Thursday.

"With final ticket sales, the Powerball jackpot reached US$1.817 billion, making it the second-largest US lottery jackpot ever won and the largest Powerball prize this year," Powerball said in a statement.

The draw was held on Christmas Eve.

The winner can claim the full amount in 30 annual payments or opt for a one-off cash payout of US$834.9 million before tax.

The largest lottery bonanza in history was US$2.04 billion, awarded in 2022 to a person who bought their ticket in California. (AFP)