In an electrifying turn of events, a resident of New Jersey clinched the staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday night, marking the first win of the year. The jackpot, which had
been steadily accumulating over 31 consecutive drawings since December 2023, reached unprecedented heights, capturing the nation's attention.
While the final jackpot figure awaits the tally of sales across all participating regions, the recently secured $1.13 billion prize stands as the fifth-largest windfall in Mega Millions history, offering a cash option of $537.5 million. With this triumph, the jackpot now resets to a starting point of $20 million, accompanied by a $9.5 million cash alternative.
The fortunate winner from New Jersey, whose identity remains undisclosed, managed to match all six numbers drawn – a feat that catapulted them into the annals of lottery history. This victory marks the first Mega Millions jackpot clinched by a Garden State resident in nearly four years, with the last occurrence transpiring in July 2020.
Gretchen Corbin, President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, extended heartfelt congratulations to the New Jersey Lottery for vending the ticket that led to this monumental win. She also celebrated the array of prizes claimed and funds raised for charitable causes throughout this thrilling jackpot streak.
The winning combination from the fateful Tuesday drawing comprised the numbers 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38, with the Mega Ball landing on 4 and the Megaplier multiplying the excitement with a 2X multiplier.
Beyond the colossal jackpot triumph in New Jersey, other notable wins illuminated the Mega Millions landscape. A fortunate player in New York secured a $2 million windfall with a Match 5 + Megaplier ticket purchased via the USA TODAY Network's official digital lottery service, Jackpocket. Additionally, numerous $1 million Match 5 prizes were claimed across several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.
Mega Millions drawings occur biweekly in Atlanta, with the next eagerly anticipated event scheduled for Friday. Players can partake in the excitement by purchasing tickets for $2 each, selecting five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Those seeking added exhilaration can opt for the Megaplier feature, boosting non-jackpot winnings by up to five times for an extra dollar per play.
As the nation revels in the exhilaration of this historic Mega Millions victory, anticipation builds for future drawings, offering participants a chance to turn dreams into reality with each ticket purchased. Photo by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia commons.
