A lucky player purchased a Mega Millions ticket at Redner’s Market in Camden, Delaware, just 53 miles from Wilmington, and struck gold during the August 20 drawing. Matching all five white balls and opting for the Megaplier with an extra $1, the ticket holder defied staggering odds of 1 in 12.6 million to claim a substantial prize.
Collecting the Prize
Winners of more than $5,001 in Delaware must collect their prize in person. To do so, they need to present a valid photo ID with their name and address, as well as their Social Security card, according to the Delaware News Journal. Winners have up to one year from the drawing date to claim their prize.
Mega Millions prizes can only be redeemed in the state where the ticket was purchased, adding another layer of exclusivity to the process.
Odds and Jackpot
While this player overcame long odds for a secondary prize, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are even more daunting at 1 in 302.6 million. As of now, the jackpot has surged to $825 million, with a cash option valued at $382.2 million. The top prize hasn’t been claimed since September, when a Texas player won over $800 million.
Payment Options for Jackpot Winners
Should someone hit the jackpot, they face a choice:
- Lump Sum – Collect the entire prize at once, albeit with a significant reduction due to taxes.
- Installments – Receive payments over 30 years, with annual amounts gradually increasing.
Changes on the Horizon for Mega Millions
Big changes are coming to Mega Millions starting in April 2025. The price of a single ticket will increase from $2 to $5. However, this adjustment comes with a silver lining: larger prize pools and faster-growing jackpots, according to game officials.
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Responsible Gambling
With such enticing prizes, it’s essential to gamble responsibly. A responsible gambler:
- Sets limits on time and money spent playing.
- Only uses funds they can afford to lose.
- Avoids chasing losses.
- Doesn’t gamble when upset or stressed.
For support with gambling addiction, contact the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
Top Lottery Wins in U.S. History
The lottery has produced life-changing jackpots for some lucky individuals. Here are the biggest wins:
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, California.
- Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, California.
- Unknown Winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, Florida.
- $1.586 billion Powerball split among winners in California, Tennessee, and Florida (Jan. 13, 2016).
- Unknown Winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, South Carolina.
- Unknown Winner – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, Maine.
- Unknown Winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, Oregon.
- Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion, Powerball, July 19, 2023, California.
- Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, Michigan.
- Unknown Winner – $842.4 million, Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, Michigan.
While winning the lottery may seem like a dream, planning and responsible decisions are key to making the most of such life-altering prizes.
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