Mega Millions says $1.22 billion worth of winning tickets sold in California
ATLANTA (AP) — At least one millionaire player has enough money to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning numbers. A lottery ticket worth about $1.22 billion was sold in California on Friday night after three months without anyone winning the lottery jackpot, according to Millionaire.com.
The winning ticket matched the white ball 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the golden giant ball 6.
The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot will only be distributed to the winner who chooses to pay an annuity over 29 years. Nearly all jackpot winners chose cash, with Friday night’s drawing worth an estimated $549.7 million.
News you can trust and daily fun, right in your inbox
Experience it firsthand — The Yodel is your go-to source for daily news, entertainment and light-hearted stories.
Even though the odds of the game are as high as 1 in 302.6 million, players continue to buy tickets as the jackpot increases. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player won the jackpot was Sept. 10.
In August 2023, the largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida.
Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball is also sold in Puerto Rico.
Mega Millions ticket prices will rise from $2 to $5 in April. Officials said the increase will be one of many changes that will result in higher jackpot odds, more frequent mega jackpots and larger prizes.
