In a remarkable turn of events, Rosemary Casarotti of Cottonwood, California, has been identified as the winning ticket holder of the breathtaking $1.269 billion Mega Millions jackpot from the December 27, 2024 drawing. This massive payout marks not only a personal victory for Casarotti but also stands as the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.
The California Lottery disclosed that Casarotti made her lucky purchase at the Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K, a spot just off Interstate 5. Originally advertised at $1.22 billion, the jackpot ballooned to its final amount due to increased ticket sales across the nation, leading to this astonishing figure.
Opting for a one-time cash payout, Casarotti generously decided to take home $571 million after taxes. The winning numbers drawn—3, 7, 37, 49, and 55 for the white balls, along with a Mega Ball of 6—were selected over 31 drawings that saw the jackpot escalate to its unprecedented value.
While California law mandates that lottery winners must reveal their identity, it provides certain protections allowing Casarotti to retain a level of privacy. The California Lottery held a press conference to announce her win, but Casarotti declined their invitation to attend, wishing instead to stay out of the spotlight. California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker spoke on the phone with Casarotti after her win, relaying her overwhelming gratitude: “I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools,” Becker explained.
This historic Mega Millions win had far-reaching implications, particularly in education funding. According to California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill-Chima, the lottery generated an estimated $89.5 million for public schools as a result of this jackpot victory. This contribution exemplifies how lottery systems can aid state education systems, with many advocates viewing the lottery as a crucial source of funding for schools.
Regarding the overall Mega Millions landscape, Casarotti’s win contributed to a notable year, whereby two billion-dollar jackpots were claimed in 2024 alone, including another significant $1.128 billion win in New Jersey on March 26, 2024. To provide context, the largest jackpot ever recorded in Mega Millions history was a staggering $1.602 billion, won in August 2023.
Casarotti’s win adds a new layer to California's ongoing lottery success, which has seen a total of 40 Mega Millions wins, making it a leader in jackpot claims, second only to New York. With every win, the joy of these lottery moments showcases not only individual fortunes but also the broader impact on the community and state funding.
Moreover, the law surrounding lottery winning in California mandates transparency but balances it with privacy rights. Unlike in New Jersey, where winners can remain completely anonymous, California maintains public identification requirements. Such regulations can lead to mixed feelings among winners, particularly those who prefer to celebrate privately.
In summary, Rosemary Casarotti's windfall is more than a victory; it symbolizes a larger narrative about public funds and community support through lottery systems. It embodies hopes, dreams, and the support provided to public schools, enhancing both state revenue and education.
As Casarotti begins her journey with her newfound wealth, the implications of her win will be felt for years to come, not only by her but also by countless students who benefit from the funds generated by lottery contributions. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: each Mega Millions ticket purchased contributes to a story much larger than life.
