The Mega Millions lottery has transformed the lives of many individuals and groups across the United States, offering some of the largest jackpots in lottery history. Since its inception in 2002, the game has seen numerous record-breaking prizes, with winners opting for various ways to claim their fortunes. This article delves into the stories of 10 remarkable Mega Millions jackpot winners, highlighting their backgrounds, choices, and the impact of their newfound wealth.
1. $1.602 Billion – August 8, 2023 – Florida
On August 8, 2023, a single ticket purchased at a Publix in Neptune Beach, Florida, matched all six numbers, securing the largest Mega Millions jackpot to date at $1.602 billion.
The winning ticket holder, operating under the name Saltines Holdings, LLC, chose the lump sum cash option of $794.2 million before taxes. The winner opted to remain anonymous, and details about their subsequent use of the prize have not been publicly disclosed.
2. $1.537 Billion – October 23, 2018 – South Carolina
A single ticket sold in South Carolina matched all the numbers on October 23, 2018, resulting in a jackpot of $1.537 billion. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, received a lump sum payment of approximately $877 million before taxes. South Carolina law allows lottery winners to claim prizes anonymously, ensuring the winner’s privacy.
3. $1.35 Billion – January 13, 2023 – Maine
On January 13, 2023, a single ticket from Maine matched all six numbers, winning a $1.35 billion jackpot. The ticket was purchased in the town of Sanford, and the winner chose the lump sum cash option of $723.5 million before taxes.
The winner opted to remain anonymous, and no further details about their identity or plans have been publicly shared.
4. $1.337 Billion – July 29, 2022 – Illinois
A group of players from Illinois claimed a $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot on July 29, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines. The group, known as the “Illinois Lottery Players Club,” chose the lump sum cash option of $780.5 million before taxes.
They expressed intentions to use the funds to support charitable causes and improve their communities.
5. $1.22 Billion – December 27, 2024 – California
A single ticket purchased at a Circle K store in Cottonwood, California, matched all six numbers on December 27, 2024, winning a $1.22 billion jackpot. The winner, identified as Rosemary Casarotti, opted for the lump sum cash option of $549.7 million before taxes.
Casarotti chose to keep details about her personal life private, and no further information has been released.
6. $1.13 Billion – March 26, 2024 – New Jersey
On March 26, 2024, a single ticket from New Jersey matched all six numbers, winning a $1.13 billion jackpot. The ticket was sold at a convenience store in Jersey City. The winner chose the lump sum cash option of $537.5 million before taxes. They opted to remain anonymous, and no additional details have been made public.
7. $1.05 Billion – January 22, 2021 – Michigan
A group of four friends from Michigan, known as the “Wolverine FFL Club,” won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot on January 22, 2021. The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger grocery store in Novi.
The group chose the lump sum cash option of $776 million before taxes, dividing the prize equally among the four members. They expressed plans to use the funds to support their families and contribute to charitable endeavors in their community.
8. $810 Million – September 10, 2024 – Texas
A single ticket purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Sugar Land, Texas, matched all six numbers on September 10, 2024, winning a $810 million jackpot. The winner, identified as the Sol Living Trust, chose the lump sum cash option of $409.2 million before taxes. The Sol Living Trust is a legal entity, and details about the individuals involved have not been publicly disclosed.
9. $656 Million – March 30, 2012 – Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland
The March 30, 2012, drawing resulted in three winning tickets, each claiming a share of the $656 million jackpot. The winners were from Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland. Each winner received approximately $105.1 million after taxes.
The Kansas winner chose to remain anonymous, while the Illinois winners, Merle and Patricia Butler from Red Bud, publicly shared their story, expressing their excitement and plans to use the money to support their family and community.
10. $648 Million – December 17, 2013 – California and Georgia
On December 17, 2013, two tickets—one sold in California and the other in Georgia—split a $648 million jackpot. Each winner received approximately $324 million before taxes. The Georgia winner, Ira Curry, used family birthdays and her lucky number to select her numbers. She expressed her disbelief and excitement upon realizing her win.
The California winner, Steve Tran, almost missed claiming his prize but was eventually able to claim his share. He chose to remain anonymous, and details of his plans with the winnings were not disclosed publicly. Both winners expressed how their newfound wealth would change their lives, allowing them to help their families and give back to their communities.
Conclusion
The stories of Mega Millions jackpot winners are always exciting and often filled with mystery, luck, and life-changing decisions. From the largest jackpots in history to the quiet anonymity of some winners, each story is unique. These individuals, or groups, have gone from ordinary people to multi-millionaires overnight, and their lives have been transformed in ways that most of us can only imagine.
Whether they choose to share their story or remain anonymous, one thing is clear: winning the Mega Millions is a dream come true for many. It opens up possibilities for better lives, the chance to give back, and the opportunity to fulfill dreams that were once out of reach.
These winners serve as reminders of the incredible odds that come with playing the lottery, and the extraordinary luck it takes to win such a massive prize. As the jackpots continue to grow, more lives will be changed, and more stories will be written. The next Mega Millions winner could be just around the corner, with the potential to make history once again.
