The Mega Millions game officials said a mystery person in the U.S. state of New Jersey has won a whopping $1.13 billion jackpot. NBC News reported that it was the fifth-largest prize ever won by Mega Millions players and the first time this year a ticket matched all the numbers needed to get the grand prize. The winning ticket was purchased in New Jersey, but the winner has yet to claim the prize. The game’s website states that the winner can receive the grand prize in a lump sum payment of $537.5 million or in an annuity that pays out 29 annual payments.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and costs $2 per play. Players can also add the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play to win second-tier prizes ranging from $1 million to $25 million.
The last Mega Millions drawing took place on Dec. 8; before that, there had been 30 consecutive drawings with no winners. This is common for lottery games, which set their odds long to keep players interested and boost ticket sales. But it is a reminder that winning the lottery isn’t always easy, even when the Jackpot is enormous. The Mega Millions jackpot becomes the eighth largest in U.S. history with the new winner. The top five are:
According to the Mega Millions website, a winner can choose to receive the grand prize in either a lump sum payment of $537.5 million or an annuity paid out over 30 years in annual payments. The annuity option is the more popular choice for winners because it allows them to spread their winnings over a longer period.
It needs to be clarified where the winning ticket was purchased in New Jersey, but it’s been a lucky week for Lottery players across the country. A Powerball player in California won the $1.765 billion prize on Oct. 11 with a ticket bought in Frazier Park.
While quitting your job and starting a new life after winning the lottery may be tempting, experts say it’s best to stick with your day-to-day routine for now. That way, you can avoid making rash decisions that could negatively impact your financial situation in the long run.
For now, we’re left to dream about the possibility of a newfound wealth that will allow for a relaxing retirement or a significant impact on our community. For many Americans, the dream of a massive lottery prize is more than fantasy. They aspire to one day achieve it, and now it’s just a matter of timing. Hopefully, this is the beginning of many significant things for our friends in New Jersey! Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisFSims.
