At least one fortunate Mega Millions player has kicked off the New Year with a life-changing win. After three months without a top-prize winner, a Mega Millions jackpot lottery ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in Cottonwood, California, for the drawing on December 27, 2024, according to the Mega Millions official website.
The winning numbers for the Mega Millions 12/27/24 drawing were the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6. The winning Mega ticket was purchased at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Road, a convenience store located about 150 miles north of Sacramento.
Ishar Gill, son of the store owner, called the win a “blessing” for the small town of approximately 6,000 people. The identity of the winner of Mega Millions is yet to be revealed. “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 prize would only be fully distributed through an annuity paid over 29 years. However, nearly all Mega Millions winners opt for a lump sum, which for this draw is an estimated $549.7 million.
Players across states, including Ohio Lottery, PA Lottery, Florida Lottery, GA Lottery, Michigan Lottery, Tennessee Lottery, New Jersey Lottery, SC Lottery, and NY Lottery, eagerly purchased tickets for the massive prize. Despite the long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, the allure of the jackpot drove ticket sales. Before this win, the last Mega Millions winner hit the jackpot on September 10.
The largest Mega Millions past winning numbers jackpot of $1.6 billion was won in Florida in August 2023. Notably, Powerball has produced even larger prizes, with recent wins by players in Maryland Lottery (MD Lottery) and Oklahoma Lottery regions.
Tickets for Mega Millions NJ, Powerball, and others are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the jackpot climbs, questions like “Did anyone win the Mega Millions last night?” or “Who won the Mega Millions last night?” dominate search trends.
In April 2025, ticket prices will rise from $2 to $5. Officials of the New York Lottery, Ohio Lottery Mega Millions, and other participating states say this change will enhance odds and deliver more frequent massive jackpots.
For the latest updates, including the Mega Millions winning number and results for games like the NJ Lottery and Powerball, visit the Mega Millions official website or check local lottery outlets. Thank you for playing, and congratulations to the Mega winner who made history in Cottonwood, California!