ARIZONA NEWS

Mega Millions ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California

Dec 28, 2024, 6:00 PM | Updated: 6:06 pm

A Mega Millions jackpot-winning ticket was sold Friday...

Ishar Gill holds up a copy of the Mega Millions lotto ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion at his family's store in Cottonwood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, the ticket with the winning numbers was drawn Friday night. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number.

After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website.

The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Sacramento. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. Ishar Gill, a son of the store owner, said the winning ticket was “a blessing” for the small rural town of roughly 6,000 people. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.

“We don’t have the slightest clue of who may have won it or who may have sold it,” Gill told The Associated Press. “But congratulations to the winner.”

The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.

Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10.

What should I know about the Mega Millions jackpot?

The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger.

Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.

Mega Millions ticket prices are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April. The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in improved jackpot odds, more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(City of Phoenix media photo)...

Bailey Leasure

Phoenix reaches housing goal 5 years early

Phoenix announced it has reached its goal of creating or preserving over 53,000 houses throughout the city.

29 minutes ago

The Mesa Library has begun installing solar panel canopies. In addition to generating energy, the s...

David Veenstra

Mesa Library installing solar panel canopies to generate energy, provide shaded parking

The Mesa Library has begun installing solar panel canopies. In addition to generating energy, the solar panel canopies will provide covered parking.

44 minutes ago

Valley events calendar...

KTAR.com

Valley events calendar: Here’s a rundown of things to do around metro Phoenix

Our Valley events calendar keeps you up to date on the wide variety of activities across the Phoenix area.

59 minutes ago

(Pixabay photo)...

Bailey Leasure

Investigation involving death of Phoenix woman upgraded to homicide

A case involving the death of a Phoenix woman in December has been upgraded to a homicide following an investigation, authorities said Wednesday.

8 hours ago

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced she is launching a new webpage that will monitor ...

Bailey Leasure

Arizona attorney general launches webpage to monitor federal funding issues

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced she is launching a new webpage that will monitor federal funding issues.

9 hours ago

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange proj...

Bailey Leasure

ADOT announces final design for State Route 347 interchange project

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange project involving State Route 347 and Riggs Road.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Mega Millions ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California