Someone has finally won the $810 million Mega Millions jackpot, and chances are it isn’t you. However, an even bigger lottery jackpot from earlier this year has yet to be claimed. On March 26, someone scored a $1.128 billion payout, but they’ve yet to step forward and take the cash. So, even if you didn’t win in the latest drawing, you might still be rich.
Where was the unclaimed Mega Millions jackpot won?
A player in New Jersey won the $1.128 billion Mega Millions jackpot on March 26. Since New Jersey players have one year to claim their prize, the winner has roughly six and a half months left before they default on the winnings.
The money will return to the participating states if no one claims the $1.128 billion prize. They are then free to leave it in their lottery funds or use it for other purposes. For example, in New Jersey, lottery sales contribute to retirement funds for civil servants like cops, firefighters, and teachers.
Who won the most recent Mega Millions drawing?
The September 10 drawing, valued at $810 million, was won by an unidentified Texas player. The winning ticket was sold at a Murphy USA gas station in Sugar Land, Texas. The winning numbers were 1, 2, 16, 24, 66, and the Mega Ball was 6. Another four players won $1 million for correctly guessing all five white balls.
If lottery winners choose to take the lump sum (most do), they get around half the winnings. The payout for the September 10 Mega Millions jackpot will be $409.3 million.
Those playing Mega Millions in the September 13 drawing will compete for a $20 million jackpot.
While the odds of winning the lottery are slim, it’s always exciting to dream, and the money goes to a good cause. Just remember to play responsibly.
