Dec. 28 (UPI) — The Mega Millions lottery has a winner for the first time in three months: a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold at a convenience store in California, lottery officials announced Saturday.
It’s the fifth-highest prize in the 28-year history of the game. The biggest prize was $1.602 billion on Aug. 8, 2023, in Neptune Beach, Calif., won by Saltines Holdings, LLC.
The sole $2 ticket Friday was sold at a Circle K store in the Shasta County city of Cottonwood in Northern California, California Lottery announced . That retailer will receive a $1 million bonus.
The numbers drawn Friday were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and a yellow Mega Ball of 6.
The last Mega Million top prize winner was $810 million in Texas on Sept. 10.
The pot has hit $1 billion seven times.
The lump sum payout for the $1.22 billion drawing is an estimated $549.7 million. Or the winner can also choose to receive the $1.22 billion annuity paid out over 30 years.
Also federal taxes of 25% and states taxes are taken. Eight states don’t have a state income tax, so they don’t receive money like in California.