A Mega Millions player from California has won the estimated $1.22 billion jackpot, marking the end of a three-month dry spell without any grand prize winners. The winning numbers drawn were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball was 6. The lucky ticket was sold at Sunshine Food and Gas station located 146 miles north of Sacramento, Cottonwood.
The extraordinary win defied odds of 1 in 302,575,350 and provides the new billionaire the choice between the estimated $1.22 billion paid out over 30 annual payments or a one-time cash payout of approximately $549.7 million. Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, expressed the joy of this monumental win, stating, “What an amazing present this holiday season! At an incredibly special time of year, this is both an incredibly special moment for our winner, and for all the great organizations and causes who benefit from lottery ticket sales around the country.”
California has now recorded 37 Mega Millions jackpot wins, trailing only behind New York, which holds 44 wins. The excitement doesn’t stop there; five additional ticketholders across states such as Arizona, Missouri, and Texas also walked away with $1 million each after matching all five white balls.
The recent win is not just momentous because of its staggering size, but it also highlights the previous jackpot of $394 million drawn on December 8, 2023, which was previously won by two tickets sold at the same gas station. One of those winners, Faramarz Lahijani, publicly claimed his half of the prize after initially losing his ticket, sparking legal battles over the second unclaimed ticket.
With the jackpot won, the Mega Millions game will revert to its base amount of $20 million for its next drawing scheduled for December 31. Interestingly, the lottery has never seen its jackpot claimed on New Year's Eve, adding another layer of anticipation as lottery enthusiasts gear up for what could be another lucrative drawing.
Notably, this win occurs just as the Mega Millions is preparing for significant changes next spring, including increasing the price of tickets from $2 to $5, which is expected to yield even higher cash prizes. While many players may be concerned about the price hike, promises of enhanced payouts have caught the attention of many eager participants.
The jackpot of $1.22 billion is the fifth-largest in the game's history, surpassing the previous record of $1.12 billion drawn on March 26, 2024. This recent massive win places the legend of Mega Millions firmly within the timelines of historical jackpot achievements.
For lottery players, the excitement surrounding Mega Millions is palpable. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m., keeping players engaged with the chances of life-changing wins. While the odds of winning may be astronomically low, interest remains high. The allure of potentially winning hundreds of millions of dollars keeps players trying their luck.
The Mega Millions is available to play across 45 states and the District of Columbia, though Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are notable exceptions. Tickets can be purchased at various locations, from gas stations to convenience stores, and even online through the Jackpocket app, which provides convenience for modern players.
Players are reminded to check local regulations as deadlines for purchasing tickets may vary by state, with some deadlines up to two hours before the drawing. The anticipation builds as the number of participants grows, eager to join the ranks of those who have already struck it rich.
While many now dream of the next large jackpot, experts caution against spending those millions before the winnings have been claimed, as playing the lottery remains a game of chance. The headline figures paint an enticing picture of luck, but it's important to balance excitement with caution.
The top ten Mega Millions jackpots continue to inspire new participants— the largest ever being $1.602 billion won on August 8, 2023, followed closely by several others each crossing the billion-dollar threshold. This latest win only adds to the history and fascination surrounding the game, sustaining the hopes and dreams of many players.
With this latest win, anticipation grows for the next drawing and the changes set to occur within the Mega Millions game, sparking curiosity and excitement among players and spectators alike.