Mega Millions is a popular lottery game in the United States, known for its massive jackpots that capture the attention of millions. Since its inception in 1996, the game has seen numerous winners across the country. One of the most intriguing aspects of these wins is the locations where winning tickets are sold. This article explores some of the notable locations where Mega Millions winning tickets have been purchased, providing insights into the stories behind these fortunate events.
The Historic $1.5 Billion Jackpot in South Carolina
In October 2018, a single ticket sold at a KC Mart gas station near Simpsonville, South Carolina, won a $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot. The winning numbers were 5, 28, 62, 65, 70, and Mega Ball 5. The store owner, CJ Patel, expressed his excitement, stating he was “shaking right now, (with) goose bumps.” This win remains one of the largest lottery prizes ever awarded to a single ticket.
The $1.58 Billion Jackpot in Florida
In May 2021, a Publix supermarket at 630 Atlantic Blvd. in Neptune Beach, Florida, sold a winning ticket worth $1.58 billion. The numbers drawn were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33, with Mega Ball 14. This win marked the largest jackpot in Mega Millions history at the time.
The store’s management expressed their excitement over the sale of the winning ticket, which brought significant attention to their location.
The $421 Million Jackpot in California
In January 2022, a Chevron gas station in Woodland Hills, California, sold a winning Mega Millions ticket worth $421 million. The numbers drawn were 3, 16, 25, 44, 55, and Mega Ball 13. The store’s district manager recounted that the young winner, just 22 years old, was “very emotional” and excited upon realizing the win.
The Chevron station received a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The $1.2 Billion Jackpot in California
In December 2024, Rosemary Casarotti from Shasta County, California, won a $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot. She purchased the winning ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, California. Casarotti opted for a lump sum payment of $571 million after taxes.
The store received a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket, and the win contributed approximately $89.5 million to California’s public schools.
The $3 Million Prize in Texas
In November 2024, a resident from Fort Worth, Texas, claimed a $3 million Mega Millions prize. The winning ticket, purchased at El Rio Grande Latin Market #6 in Fort Worth, matched five white ball numbers but missed the Mega Ball.
The prize was claimed just before the ticket expired, highlighting the importance of timely ticket validation.
Other Notable Wins
Illinois: A $1 million prize went unclaimed for months after a ticket was sold at Tony’s Fresh Market in Chicago. The winner matched five white balls but missed the Mega Ball. The prize was set to expire in April 2025 if not claimed.
Missouri: A $1 million Mega Millions prize from a drawing in October 2024 remained unclaimed as of March 2025. The ticket was purchased in Missouri, and the prize was set to expire in April 2025 if not claimed.
Conclusion
The locations where Mega Millions winning tickets are sold vary widely, from gas stations to supermarkets. These stories highlight the diverse places where luck can strike, turning an ordinary purchase into an extraordinary windfall. For players, these tales serve as a reminder to check their tickets regularly, as unclaimed prizes can benefit public education if not collected within the specified time frame.
