Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $1.2 Billion: Winning Ticket Sold in California
A Mega Millions player in California has struck gold, winning the $1.2 billion jackpot in the drawing held on Friday, December 27, 2024. According to lottery officials, this is the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won in California.
Winning Ticket Details
The lucky ticket, sold at Sunshine Food and Gas in Cottonwood, California—approximately 145 miles north of Sacramento—matched all five white balls (3, 7, 37, 49, and 55) along with the gold Mega Ball (6). The Megaplier for this drawing was 3x.
In addition to the grand prize winner, tickets sold in Arizona, California, Missouri, and Texas matched five numbers, earning $1 million each. Over 5.6 million other tickets nationwide won prizes ranging from $2 to $30,000.
What’s Next for the Jackpot?
Following this historic win, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to an estimated $20 million, with a cash option of $9 million, for the next drawing on Tuesday, December 31. This marks the first time the grand prize has been claimed since September 10, when a Texas player won $810 million.
How to Play Mega Millions
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. Tickets cost $2 but will increase to $5 starting in April 2025. Drawings take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET and can be streamed online. Mega Millions is available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Gambling Addiction Resources
While playing the lottery can be an exciting pastime, it’s important to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction, help is available. Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling’s website.
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This win adds to the growing list of Mega Millions milestones, reinforcing its appeal as one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Will this streak of monumental jackpots continue into 2025? Time will tell!
