A lucky California resident is starting the new year with unimaginable fortune after winning a staggering $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot. The winning ticket, sold at Sunshine Food and Gas on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, Shasta County, matched all six numbers in Friday’s draw on December 27.
The winning numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega Ball was 6. According to Mega Millions officials, the winner can choose to receive their prize as a 30-year annuity worth the full jackpot amount or opt for a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $549.7 million before taxes.
This marks the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and follows months of anticipation as the jackpot continued to grow after numerous drawings without a winner.
Life-Changing Impact
The jackpot win is expected to be life-altering for the winner, who has not yet come forward to claim the prize. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are a staggering 1 in 302,575,350, making this victory an extraordinary stroke of luck.
In addition to the jackpot winner, five other tickets matched all five white balls, earning each ticket holder a $1 million prize. Two of these were sold in California, while the others were purchased in Arizona, Missouri, and Texas.
A Historical Win in December
This jackpot win continues a December trend for Mega Millions. Since its inception in 2002, the game has seen 13 jackpots claimed in December, with this being the fourth jackpot won in the days following Christmas. Mega Millions tickets, sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, cost $2 each.
Next Steps for the Winner
The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. If they choose the annuity option, they will receive 30 graduated annual payments over three decades. The lump-sum option provides immediate access to a significantly reduced amount but avoids the wait of annual payments.
Mega Millions Continues to Captivate
As the holiday season wraps up, excitement remains high for Mega Millions players across the nation. The next drawing is scheduled for December 31, 2024, with the jackpot reset to $20 million.
While the Cottonwood winner’s identity remains a mystery, one thing is certain: this win has created a life-changing moment of incredible fortune.
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