In a stunning turn of events, a single ticket sold in California has won the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot, marking one of the largest lottery prizes in U.S. history. The winning numbers drawn on December 27, 2024, were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6. This monumental win ends a three-month drought during which no one claimed the top prize, reigniting excitement among lottery players nationwide.
A Life-Changing Windfall
The winning ticket was purchased at a Sunshine Food and Gas station in Cottonwood, a small town located about 146 miles north of Sacramento. The winner now faces a life-altering decision: they can choose to receive the full jackpot amount as an annuity paid out over 29 years, or opt for a lump-sum cash payout estimated at $549.7 million before taxes. Both options represent a significant financial windfall that could transform their life forever.Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, expressed his excitement about the win: “What an amazing present this holiday season! At an incredibly special time of year, this is both an incredibly special moment for our winner and for all the great organizations and causes that benefit from lottery ticket sales around the country”3
.Record-Breaking Jackpot
This jackpot is notable not only for its size but also because it is the fifth largest in Mega Millions history. It follows a series of high-stakes competitions between Mega Millions and its sibling lottery, Powerball, which has also seen record-breaking jackpots in recent months. The current win brings the total number of Mega Millions jackpots won in California to 37, making it second only to New York's 44 winners.Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin Buying Spree: Should You Follow Suit?
Historical Context of Mega Millions Jackpots
The recent jackpot ranks among the top ten largest lottery jackpots ever recorded in U.S. history:| Rank | Amount | Date | Winning Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 billion | Nov 7, 2022 | 1 (California) |
| 2 | $1.765 billion | Oct 11, 2023 | 1 (California) |
| 3 | $1.602 billion | Aug 8, 2023 | 1 (Florida) |
| 4 | $1.586 billion | Jan 13, 2016 | 3 (CA, FL, TN) |
| 5 | $1.537 billion | Oct 23, 2018 | 1 (South Carolina) |
| 6 | $1.350 billion | Jan 13, 2023 | 1 (Maine) |
| 7 | $1.337 billion | Jul 29, 2022 | 1 (Illinois) |
| 8 | $1.326 billion | Apr 7, 2024 | 1 (Oregon) |
| 9 | $1.130 billion | Mar 26, 2024 | 1 (New Jersey) |
| 10 | $1.080 billion | Jul 19, 2023 | 1 (California) |
Ticket Sales Surge
The anticipation surrounding this massive jackpot led to a surge in ticket sales as players rushed to buy tickets leading up to the drawing. With odds of winning set at 1 in 302,575,350, many hopeful participants were drawn in by the allure of potentially changing their lives overnight3
. In total, Friday's drawing produced 5,691,299 winning tickets across various prize tiers, including five tickets that matched the five white balls for a second-tier prize of $1 million each.Future Changes on the Horizon
Looking ahead, changes are coming to Mega Millions that could impact future jackpots. Starting in April 2025, ticket prices will increase from $2 to $5, with officials promising better odds and larger payouts as a result2
. This adjustment aims to enhance player engagement and boost overall jackpot amounts.
