Mega Millions – A New Jersey resident has claimed a life-changing $1.1 billion Mega Millions prize, nearly nine months after the winning ticket was sold. According to state officials, the massive jackpot, originally valued at $1.12 billion, was the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, will receive a lump sum payout of $537.5 million before taxes, as reported by USA Today. The winning ticket was purchased at ShopRite Liquor #781 in Neptune Township, New Jersey.
Winning Numbers and Jackpot Details
The winning numbers for the March 2024 drawing were:
- White Balls: 7, 11, 22, 29, 38
- Gold Mega Ball: 4
- Megaplier: 2x
This jackpot ended a streak of 31 consecutive drawings without a winner, creating intense anticipation among players.
Impact of Unclaimed Prize
Had the jackpot remained unclaimed, the prize money would have been returned to the Mega Millions fund. States typically allocate unclaimed lottery funds for various public purposes. In New Jersey, these funds benefit public servant retirement programs, including those for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other government employees.
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Mega Millions History and Upcoming Drawings
Mega Millions jackpots often make headlines, with the highest ever recorded at $1.602 billion in August 2023. Another significant drawing is set for Christmas Eve, with the jackpot reaching an estimated $944 million, the seventh-highest in the game’s history.
In the Friday, Dec. 20 drawing, no tickets matched all six numbers. However, five tickets, sold in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, matched the first five numbers, earning $1 million each.
For the upcoming Christmas Eve drawing, the jackpot winner could choose between annuitized payments or a lump sum estimated at $429.4 million.
A Message from Mega Millions
“Congratulations to the New Jersey Lottery for selling a jackpot-winning ticket,” said Gretchen Corbin, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “We celebrate our new jackpot winner, as well as all the prizes won and dollars raised for good causes during this exciting jackpot run.”
Mega Millions continues to captivate players with its life-altering jackpots, offering not just winnings but also contributions to community programs across the United States.
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