After months of anticipation, the winner of the $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot from December 27, 2024, has finally been revealed. Rosemary Casarotti is the lucky winner of the largest Mega Millions prize in California history. Although she wasn't present for the announcement during the news conference on Monday, she expressed her gratitude for her winnings through the California Lottery.
After waiting for 80 days, the California Lottery officially announced Casarotti as the purchaser of the winning ticket, which was bought at the Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K gas station located at 3505 Rhonda Road, Cottonwood, on December 27, 2024.
For her winning ticket, Casarotti elected to receive the lump sum payment, taking home approximately $571 million before federal taxes. This decision, albeit resulting in less than the total jackpot amount due to taxes, is common among winners who prefer immediate access to cash. Interestingly, California does not tax lottery winnings, allowing Casarotti to maximize her take-home amount.
The Sunshine Food and Gas station, which made the sale, has received substantial recognition, including a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket. Ishar Gill, the Director of Operations for the Circle K, highlighted the excitement surrounding the sale, stating, "[Players] love the game and the chance to dream big, and this win definitely added to the excitement around here."
The impact of Casarotti’s win extends beyond her additional wealth and includes significant fundraising for California’s public schools. California Lottery officials revealed during the press conference, led by Director Harjinder Shergill Chima, "Because of this historic jackpot win, the California Lottery was able to raise an estimated $89.5 million for public schools." This windfall will contribute positively to educational funding within the state.
The winning numbers drawn — 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega number 6 — are now etched in lottery history as the combination responsible for one of the largest jackpots ever recorded not just for California, but nationally. The odds of matching all six numbers were at about 1 out of 302.5 million, making Casarotti's win even more incredible.
Since the announcement of the jackpot on December 27th, ticket sales at the Circle K store have significantly increased. Gill noted the effect of the publicity surrounding the historic win, encouraging more players to try their luck, motivated by the growing jackpot and the promise of potentially life-changing prizes.
During the lengthy verification process required for claiming large lottery jackpots, winners must notify the lottery and complete necessary claim forms. This step ensures validity and trustworthiness within the lottery system. Following the successful verification, officials disclosed Casarotti’s name, as California law mandates public disclosure of lottery winners' identities, albeit without divulging her personal details such as age or hometown.
Due to her preference for privacy, Casarotti chose not to attend the media event or engage directly with journalists. Spokesperson Carolyn Becker mentioned, "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." This sentiment seems to reflect the wishes of many lottery winners who wish to maintain their anonymity after such life-altering news.
The announcement was made on St. Patrick’s Day, noted for its ties to luck. Despite the rain on the day of the event, the California Lottery aimed to celebrate the moment's significance, equipping officials and store owners with tents outside the Circle K location.
This unique occasion has sparked conversations about lottery winnings and their broader impact on communities. California’s lottery has been known for raising funds for educational initiatives, having provided over $2 billion each year for the past three years, amounting to nearly $46 billion since its inception back in 1984.
The decision to hold the announcement on such a symbolic date connects to community culture, and many see it as both festive and fortunate. Although the weather didn't comply with the usual sunny disposition associated with luck, spirits remained high, and the focus remained on the positive outcomes of the lottery.
Rosemary Casarotti's monumental win mirrors similar jackpot milestones previously achieved across the nation. Records show this jackpot to be the seventh largest ever drawn, showcasing the anticipation and fervor associated with Mega Millions draws.
For many, this win embodies not just the allure of financial freedom but the ability to leverage this fortune for broader societal good, such as enhanced educational funding. The publicity and community response surrounding Casarotti’s win serve as reminders of what lottery dreams represent to many — hope, opportunity, and the chance to create substantial change.
