Who’s Bagged the Biggest American Mega Millions Wins? Let’s Dive In!
When it comes to American Mega Millions, the stakes are sky-high, and the payouts? Even higher! August 2023 saw a record-shattering win of $1.602 billion, setting the bar for all future jackpots. But this isn’t the only jaw-dropping prize in American Mega Millions history. Let’s take a look at some of the most monumental wins ever.
1. $1.602 Billion – Florida
The grandest of them all! This historic jackpot was claimed by Saltines Holdings, LLC, who held the winning ticket from the August 8, 2023, draw. The prize was so enormous that people dubbed it “Mega BILLIONS.” The lucky ticket was purchased at a Publix in Neptune Beach, Florida.
2. $1.537 Billion – South Carolina
A life-changing win for an anonymous player from Simpsonville, South Carolina, who claimed the second-largest jackpot ever. Not only did the winner’s life change overnight, but the state also received a cool $61 million in income tax from this colossal prize.
3. $1.348 Billion – Maine
Friday the 13th was anything but unlucky for a Maine resident! On January 13, 2023, the state celebrated its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon, Maine.
4. $1.337 Billion – Illinois
A pair of Illinois residents won this massive prize with a single ticket, making it the fourth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. Although they chose to remain anonymous, their lives are undoubtedly changed forever.
5. $1.128 Billion – New Jersey
The first Mega Millions jackpot of 2024 had New Jersey buzzing. The winning ticket was bought at ShopRite Liquor in Neptune Township, and it matched all six numbers drawn on March 26, 2024.
6. $1.05 Billion – Michigan
A four-member lottery club in Detroit hit it big on January 22, 2021. Dubbed the “Wolverine FLL Club,” they were the sole winners of this billion-dollar prize. The group expressed plans to “stay humble and pay it forward” in southeast Michigan.
7. $656 Million – Kansas, Illinois, Maryland
Three tickets from Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland split this whopping jackpot on March 30, 2012. With two of the winning tickets being Quick Picks, the winners didn’t have to stress about picking numbers—the computer did all the work!
8. $648 Million – California and Georgia
Two lucky winners, one from California and one from Georgia, shared this massive prize on December 17, 2013. The Georgia winner left a simple yet telling message on his boss’s voicemail: “I’m really sorry, boss. I hit the jackpot. I don’t think I’m coming in today, tomorrow, or ever.”
9. $552 Million – Illinois
The largest online lottery prize in U.S. history was won through the Illinois Lottery on June 4, 2024. The winner was ecstatic, stating, “I’ve always dreamed of retiring early and enjoying life with my family. I think it’s safe to say my dream just came true.”
10. $543 Million – California
On July 24, 2018, an office pool of 11 co-workers from Wells Fargo in San Jose hit the jackpot, winning $543 million. With their financial expertise, they’re sure to manage their new fortune wisely!
Honorable Mentions:
- $536 Million – Indiana (2016): An Indiana couple scored this prize after purchasing five Quick Picks during a road trip.
- $533 Million – New Jersey (2018): A New Jersey man took home the state’s second-largest jackpot, using part of his winnings to rebuild a 1964 Corvette.
- $522 Million – California (2019): A San Diego woman who won with a Quick Pick planned to pay off debt and buy a new home.
- $516 Million – Pennsylvania (2021): A five-person trust named “Peace of Mind” claimed this jackpot, opting for a $348 million cash lump sum.
- $451 Million – Florida (2018): A 20-year-old turned a $5 scratch-off win into a Mega Millions ticket that yielded a fortune.
- $437 Million – New York (2019): A group of 23 co-workers from Long Island celebrated the largest jackpot in New York State history.
The American Mega Millions Journey Continues
With every draw, the potential for a new record-breaking win grows. Will we see a new entry on this list soon? The only way to find out is to play. Don’t miss your chance—grab your American Mega Millions ticket today with Lotto Express!
