A winning ticket for the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot has been sold in California, marking one of the largest prizes in the history of the game, organizers confirmed.
The winning ticket was purchased at a petrol station in the town of Cottonwood, approximately 210 kilometers north of Sacramento. The identity of the winner remains unknown, and it is unclear whether they are aware they hold the jackpot ticket or have come forward to claim the prize.
The winning numbers, announced last night, were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and 6. This marks the fifth-largest jackpot ever offered by Mega Millions, which operates across 45 states in the U.S. The winner has the option to receive the full $1.22 billion in annual payments over 30 years or a one-time cash payout of $549.7 million before taxes.
The Mega Millions jackpot is now the fifth largest in history, surpassing previous massive wins. The largest lottery prize ever was a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, also sold in California. However, despite this staggering prize, the current winner now joins an exclusive group of lucky individuals whose lives could be changed forever by such a windfall.
While Mega Millions officials are still waiting for the winner to come forward, the excitement surrounding the record-breaking jackpot is palpable. As is customary with such large prizes, the speculation about the winner’s identity and the potential impact of the massive payout is expected to continue in the coming days.
For now, the lucky ticket holder has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. If they choose the lump sum payout, they will receive a significant portion of the prize in one immediate payment, though the final amount will be reduced by taxes.
This Mega Millions win comes on the heels of a series of high-profile jackpot draws, with many players across the country hoping to become the next multi-millionaire. The prospect of winning such a monumental prize continues to captivate the public’s imagination, with players eagerly anticipating the next draw.
