ATLANTA — A lucky player of Mega Millions is set to celebrate the New Year with a hefty sum after winning the jackpot. It had been three months since anyone claimed the top prize, but this time, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California during the Friday night drawing.
The winning ticket matched the numbers: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, along with the gold Mega Ball, which was 6. As of now, the identity of the winner is still unknown.
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot can choose between receiving their prize in annuity payments over 29 years or opting for a lump-sum cash payout. For this latest drawing, the cash option is estimated to be around $549.7 million.
Despite the odds of winning being low at 1 in 302.6 million, ticket sales soared as the jackpot grew larger. The previous jackpot winner had claimed the prize back on September 10.
For context, the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.6 billion, which was sold in Florida in August 2023. Powerball, another major lottery game, has also seen larger jackpots, showing the continued excitement around these games.
Mega Millions and Powerball can be played in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, Powerball tickets are also available in Puerto Rico.
In a move to boost ticket sales and improve jackpot odds, Mega Millions ticket prices are set to increase from $2 to $5 starting in April. This change aims to provide players with even better chances of winning bigger prizes more frequently, enhancing the overall lottery experience for everyone involved.
