A single ticket sold in California has won the extraordinary Mega Millions jackpot of $1.22 billion, as announced by the California Lottery early Saturday morning. The lucky ticket, purchased at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) located at 3505 Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, California, matched all six numbers drawn on Friday night, December 27, 2024.
The drawn numbers for this life-changing lottery win were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega Ball was 6, alongside a Megaplier option of 3x. The jackpot has marked its place as the fifth-largest prize awarded in the history of the Mega Millions lottery, which has captivated millions across the U.S.
Indeed, this massive jackpot had been accumulating for more than three months, with no winner since September 10, when another ticket from Texas claimed $800 million. The current winner now faces the choice between two payment options. Choosing the annuity plan results in 30 annual payments, spread over three decades, totaling the advertised amount of $1.22 billion. Most winners, though, prefer the cash option which for this jackpot would amount to approximately $549.7 million.
“A very lucky Mega Millions ticket sold in Shasta County has hit the big one, matching all six numbers in tonight’s draw,” announced the California Lottery on their official X account. The sweeping excitement of this win is palpable, especially as tickets for the Mega Millions are played across 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings held on Tuesday and Friday nights at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Mega Millions lottery is no stranger to enormous jackpots, consistently drawing thrill-seekers and fortune hunters alike. The current jackpot's milestone raises it to the ninth position on the nation's all-time lottery list, solidifying its esteem among lottery giants. According to reports from Journal Star, this recent win follows the previous drawing where no ticket had matched all six winning numbers.
For those who might ask—the thrill of winning is not reserved for just the jackpot. Other tickets purchased for the same drawing also yielded sizable payouts. Two tickets purchased within California, along with one ticket sold each in Arizona, Missouri, and Texas, matched the five main numbers, worth $1 million each. The Mega Millions also fosters smaller wins for tickets matching fewer numbers.
To exemplify the breadth of this lottery’s reach, here’s how consolation prizes work: Players need to match at least one of the winning numbers along with the Mega Ball to score any prize. A ticket only matching one of the five numbers without the Mega Ball scores nothing, but matching it with the Mega Ball can yield $4. Aside from the jackpot, the game also offers various other winning combinations leading to different payouts, encouraging many to participate.
The upcoming drawing, now resetting the jackpot back to an estimated $20 million with cash options around $9 million, will generate fresh excitement among ticket holders eager for their chance at wealth. With continued interest swirling around the game, players can expect the next chance to play on Tuesday.
The cost per ticket for this internationally beloved game stands modestly at $2, with the option to add Megaplier for another dollar to potentially boost winnings. Event watchers can catch the excitement of these drawings online, with various streams available including YouTube broadcasts showcasing the draws live.
The allure of lottery games, particularly Mega Millions, often crosses paths with debates about gambling and its social ramifications. Individuals seeking advice concerning gambling addiction are encouraged to contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 or explore supportive resources available online at www.gamtalk.org. Such avenues reflect the importance of responsible gaming shed alongside the cheers of victory.
With this grand win, all eyes shift toward the million-dollar question: Who is the newest millionaire from California? The community buzzes with speculation, celebration, and perhaps even the anticipation of what the victor plans to do with their newfound fortune. Meanwhile, the remaining players eagerly purchase tickets, believing they might just be next to hit the jackpot!
