In a thrilling conclusion to a three-month lottery streak, a lucky Mega Millions player in Cottonwood, California, has claimed the game’s fifth-largest jackpot ever: $1.22 billion.
The winning ticket was purchased at Sunshine Food and Gas, a convenience store now gaining fame as the home of one of the largest lottery payouts in history. The numbers drawn—3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and Mega Ball 6—ended months of anticipation for millions of players nationwide.
The Prize Breakdown
The winner has the option to take the full jackpot amount in annual payments over 29 years or accept a lump-sum payout of $549.7 million. Lottery officials recommend careful consideration and expert financial advice for managing such a windfall.
Other Winners in the Mix
While California celebrated the grand prize, five other players across the U.S. matched five white balls, earning $1 million each. These secondary winners highlight the game’s widespread appeal and the millions of smaller prizes won in every draw.
A Record-Breaking Run
The $1.22 billion jackpot marks a milestone for Mega Millions, achieved after 30 consecutive drawings without a winner. The lottery has consistently drawn attention for its life-changing prizes, and this win underscores its enduring popularity.
What’s Next?
With the jackpot reset to $20 million, Mega Millions continues to inspire dreams nationwide. As the next drawing approaches, hopeful players are already lining up for their chance at a fortune.
Andrew Parker is a versatile journalist based in the UK who covers a wide range of news topics with depth and precision. With an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to delivering unbiased reporting, Andrew brings readers up-to-date on the most significant events and stories shaping the world.
