A lucky Californian has become a billionaire after winning the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot, one of the game’s largest prizes ever. The winning ticket, sold at Sunshine Food & Gas in Cottonwood, matched all six numbers: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and Mega Ball 6.
The jackpot, which grew since Christmas Eve when no one claimed the $1 billion prize, offers a cash option of $549.7 million. This win marks the seventh time in Mega Millions history that the jackpot has surpassed $1 billion and is the fourth jackpot claimed in 2024.
Also Read: A Pakistani man wins Rs. 78 crore in the UAE’s weekly lottery.
In addition to the grand prize, five tickets sold in Arizona, California, Texas, and Missouri won $1 million each by matching the first five numbers. Mega Millions officials called the win an “amazing holiday present” for the California winner.
With only one drawing left this year, 2024 may end with the fewest jackpots awarded since the game began in 2002.
