Santa arrived a bit late, but as a stocking stuffer, he gave one person a $1.22 billion Mega Millions prize.
The estimated $1.22 billion top prize was won by a single ticket purchased in California that matched every number in Friday’s drawing, including 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and a Mega Ball of 6.
According to the state lottery website, Sunshine Food and Gas in Cottonwood, a town of about 6,000 people in Northern California, south of Redding, is where the jackpot-winning ticket was sold.
According to Mega Millions authorities, the jackpot has been increasing since the clock was reset on September 13 following a Texas lottery winner’s $810 million win. None of the six numbers that were released in the previous Christmas Eve drawing were matched by any ticket.
The jackpot rolls over if no one wins, and ticket sales help the top prize increase.
The ticket purchaser may receive the highest payout if they reside in California. The state is one of eight where lottery winnings are not subject to state taxes.
The victory on Friday night is the fifth-biggest in the game’s history. Months after the drawing on March 26, the fifth-largest jackpot, worth $1.128 billion, was claimed on Monday.
According to Mega Millions officials, the winning ticket was bought at a ShopRite in Neptune Township, New Jersey. Winners in New Jersey have a year to assert this.
Mega Millions officials stated in the statement that it is typical for big jackpot winners to take their time to submit a claim.
According to Mega Millions authorities, the winner, who wished to remain anonymous in accordance with New Jersey law, chose to keep the prize’s estimated $537.5 million cash value before state and federal taxes.
Such a sum would be subject to an 8% tax in New Jersey and a 37% federal tax.
In 2024, the Mega Millions jackpot had four winners, with Tuesday’s drawing being the final one. According to a statement released by game authorities on Saturday, it appears that this year will see the fewest jackpot winners since the Big Game, which was expanded to include seven states, changed its name to Mega Millions in 2002.
Officials stated in a statement on Monday that Mega Millions, which is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, delivered 10 jackpots in 2023—the most since the game underwent significant revisions in 2013.
In August 2023, a player from Florida won $1.602 billion, the biggest Mega Millions prize. Although that sum is substantial, it was unable to overtake the most valued prize of another multi-state lottery game, Powerball, which was $2.04 billion in November 2022.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!