Fifth-Largest in History
American Mega Millions has crowned its latest winner, with a ticket purchased in Cottonwood, California, taking home an estimated $1.22 billion prize—the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and the ninth-largest in U.S. lottery history.
Historic Win for Northern California
The winning ticket, purchased at the Circle K on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, matched all six numbers in Friday night’s drawing: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6. While the winner’s identity remains unknown, California lottery officials are expected to make an announcement soon.
The jackpot winner has the option of claiming the full amount through an annuity paid over 29 years or taking the lump-sum cash payout of $549.7 million. Historically, most winners choose the cash option.
“It’s an incredible moment for our winner and for the entire community,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium. “This jackpot is also a win for the many causes supported by lottery ticket sales across the country.”
Big Wins Across the Board
This massive prize marks the end of a jackpot streak spanning 30 drawings since the last winner in Texas on September 10, 2024, who claimed an $810 million prize. During this run, more than 31.4 million winning tickets across all prize tiers were sold, including 65 second-tier prizes of $1 million or more.
Small Town, Big Dreams
Cottonwood, a rural town of just 6,000 residents, has been thrust into the spotlight. Ishar Gill, the son of the Circle K store owner, called the win “a blessing” for the community. “We don’t know who the winner is yet, but congratulations to them!” Gill shared.
A Record-Breaking Year for Mega Millions
This jackpot is the fourth American Mega Millions grand prize won in 2024, making it the year with the fewest wins since the game’s inception in 2002. Earlier this year, jackpots were claimed in Illinois ($552 million), New Jersey ($1.128 billion), and Texas ($810 million).
The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever—a staggering $1.58 billion—was won in Florida in August 2023.
Despite the jaw-dropping odds of 1 in 302,575,350, players continue to chase their dreams. American Mega Millions remains a source of excitement, community support, and, for a lucky few, life-changing fortune.
For now, all eyes are on California as the state celebrates this monumental win. Congratulations to the winner, and here’s to a New Year filled with possibility
International players can play American Mega Millions from their computer or mobile device at Lotto Express.
