At Least One Mega Millions Player Rings in the New Year with a $1.22 Billion Win
A lucky player has started the new year with a bang after winning the massive Mega Millions jackpot worth an estimated $1.22 billion. The winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, California, about 150 miles north of Sacramento. The winning numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6.
The winning ticket was sold at a small rural town with a population of roughly 6,000 people, and the identity of the winner or winners has not been disclosed. The store owner’s son, Ishar Gill, expressed his congratulations to the winner, saying it was a “blessing” for the town.
The winner has the option to take a cash payout of an estimated $549.7 million or choose an annuity paid over 29 years. The jackpot was last won on September 10, and this is the first time a Mega Millions player has hit the top prize in three months.
The Mega Millions jackpot is set to rise from $2 to $5 in April, which officials say will result in improved jackpot odds, more frequent giant prizes, and even larger payouts.