ATLANTA (AP) — At least one Mega Millions player has enough money to ring in the new year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top lottery prize, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold for the drawing Friday evening in California, according to the Mega Millions website.
The winning ticket corresponded to the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.
The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot is paid out only to the winner who chooses an annuity paid out over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt for a cash payout, which for Friday night's drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.
Trusted news and daily treats, straight to your inbox
See for yourself: The Yodel is the source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories.
Despite the high odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to buy tickets as the size of the top prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player won the top prize was on September 10.
The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for his compatriot's Powerball lottery were bigger.
Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball is also sold in Puerto Rico.
Mega Millions ticket prices will increase from $2 to $5 in April. The increase will be one of several changes that officials say will result in improved jackpot odds, more frequent giant prizes and even bigger payouts.
