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A Mega Millions ticket purchased at a Shasta County gas station has hit the staggering $1.22 billion jackpot, making it one of the largest lottery prizes in history, officials announced Friday.
Where Was the Winning Ticket Sold?
The winning ticket was sold at Sunshine Food and Gas, located at 3505 Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, California. The numbers drawn for this life-changing prize were 3, 7, 37, 49, and 55, with a MegaBall of 6 and a 3x MegaPlier, according to the California Lottery. The identity of the lucky winner remains a mystery for now.
Prize Options for the Jackpot Winner
The jackpot winner has two options:
Annuity Payments: The full $1.22 billion paid out over 30 years.
Lump Sum Cash Option: An immediate payout of approximately $549.7 million.
Lottery officials note that most winners typically choose the lump sum option.
One of the Largest Jackpots in Mega Millions History
This $1.22 billion prize is the fifth-largest in the game’s history. It adds to an unusual year for the Mega Millions, which has seen fewer jackpot winners than any year since its inception in 2002. Before this win, there had been only three jackpot winners in 2024.
“Congratulations to our $1.22-billion jackpot winner from California,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, in a statement. “What an amazing present this holiday season!”
A Jackpot Months in the Making
The massive prize pool began accumulating after a $810-million jackpot was won on September 10, 2024, from a ticket sold in Sugar Land, Texas. This marks the seventh time the Mega Millions jackpot has exceeded the $1-billion milestone since the game’s inception.
A History of Billion-Dollar Jackpots
The latest jackpot adds California to an exclusive list of states that have hosted billion-dollar winners. Here’s a look at prior $1-billion-plus Mega Millions jackpots:
$1.6 billion: Florida, 2023 (record-high)
$1.5 billion: South Carolina, 2018
$1.05 billion: Michigan, 2021
$1.33 billion: Illinois, 2022
$1.35 billion: Maine, 2023
$1.08 billion: Florida, 2023
$1.22 billion: California, 2024
What Happens Next for the Winner?
Lottery officials urge the winner to take their time before claiming the prize. Winners often consult with financial advisors and attorneys to manage their newfound wealth responsibly. California law requires lottery winners to disclose their identity publicly, although they may remain private until they officially claim the prize.
A Record-Breaking Year for Mega Millions
This win caps off an extraordinary year for the Mega Millions lottery, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most lucrative games in the world. With only a handful of jackpot wins in 2024, the excitement surrounding this drawing was palpable, and the massive prize has certainly delivered on its promise.
Whether the winner chooses to take the annuity or the lump sum, one thing is clear: their life has changed forever.
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