California Dreams Come True: Single Mega Millions Ticket Sold for Whopping $1.22 Billion Prize!
Title: California Gas Station Ticket Wins Mega Millions Jackpot Estimated at $1.22 Billion
A ticket sold at a Shasta County gas station in California has won the massive Mega Millions jackpot estimated at $1.22 billion. The winning numbers were announced by the California Lottery, with the ticket sold at Sunshine Food and Gas at 3505 Rhonda Road in Cottonwood.
The winning numbers for the ticket, which was purchased on Friday, are 3-7-37-49-55 and 6 MegaBall with 3x MegaPlier. The identity of the new billionaire is still unclear, as the prize has not been claimed. However, according to lottery officials, jackpot winners typically choose to receive their prize in a lump sum payment, rather than spreading it out over 30 years.
This jackpot is the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history, and it is awarded at the end of the year when there have been unusually few jackpot winners. Before Friday night, just three jackpots had been won in 2024, the fewest number of wins in a single year since the game began in 2002.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions syndicate, congratulated the winner in a statement, saying, “What a great gift for this holiday season!”
The jackpot has been growing since September 10, when a player won $810 million from a ticket sold at a gas station in Sugar Land, Texas. This marks the seventh time the Mega Millions jackpot has topped the $1 billion mark.
Previous jackpots of more than $1 billion have been won in different states, including South Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Maine, Florida, New Jersey, and California. The game’s record jackpot of $1.6 billion was won in Florida in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who won the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot?
A: The winner has not been publicly identified.
Q: Where was the winning ticket sold?
A: The winning ticket was sold at Sunshine Food and Gas at 3505 Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, California.
Q: What are the winning numbers?
A: The winning numbers are 3-7-37-49-55 and 6 MegaBall with 3x MegaPlier.
Q: How can I claim my prize?
A: The winner must sign the ticket and submit it to the California Lottery within 183 days of the drawing date.
Q: Can I remain anonymous?
A: In California, winners can choose to remain anonymous if they wish, but they must still sign the ticket and submit it to the lottery.
Conclusion:
Winning the Mega Millions jackpot is a life-changing event, and the latest winner is expected to receive a massive payout of $1.22 billion. While the identity of the winner is still unclear, it’s clear that someone is about to experience a significant change in their life. As the game’s lead director said, “What a great gift for this holiday season!” indeed.
