SAN FRANCISCO, USA – A lucky Mega Millions ticket holder in California is starting the New Year as a billionaire after winning an estimated $1.22 billion jackpot in Friday night’s drawing, the Mega Millions website confirmed.
The ticket matched all six numbers: white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6.
The winner, whose identity has not yet been revealed, can choose between the full jackpot amount in an annuity paid over 29 years or a one-time cash payout estimated at $549.7 million.
Record-Breaking Prize
The $1.22 billion prize is the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot awarded this year, following a record-breaking $1.6 billion prize won in Florida in August 2023.
The grand prize had rolled over since the last jackpot hit on September 10, as players across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands continued to test their luck against the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million.
Despite the daunting odds, the growing prize pot fueled a surge in ticket sales over the past three months, culminating in Friday night’s historic win.
Future Changes to Mega Millions
The announcement of the jackpot winner comes ahead of a significant price change for Mega Millions tickets.
Beginning in April 2025, ticket prices will rise from $2 to $5. Lottery officials say the price increase will result in improved jackpot odds, more frequent massive prizes, and higher payouts overall.
This change follows a trend of record-breaking jackpots in recent years.
Mega Millions and its counterpart Powerball have seen their top prizes regularly exceed $1 billion, which analysts suggest reflects increasing ticket sales driven by the allure of astronomical winnings.
Winners Face Life-Altering Decision
Nearly all jackpot winners opt for the lump-sum payout rather than the annuity, though both options come with considerable tax implications.
Financial advisers recommend winners consult with experts before making decisions about their windfall.
As Mega Millions players in California celebrate this historic win, millions across the nation are already gearing up for the next drawing, hopeful that lightning might strike twice.
For the lucky ticket holder, however, the dream of a lifetime has already come true.
