In a surprise move, the winner of the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history has come forward to claim their prize nine months after the winning numbers were drawn. One ticket that was purchased in Neptune, New Jersey, won the $1.128 billion jackpot, which was drawn back on March 26, 2024. The winner will remain anonymous, by New Jersey state law.
The winning ticket
The winning ticket was sold at a ShopRite in Neptune Township in Monmouth County. The numbers were 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38. The Gold Mega Ball number was 4, while the multiplier was 2. He chose those numbers that brought this incredible windfall. As commission for selling the winning ticket, the ShopRite received $30,000, which the store has generously decided to donate to the local food bank through the charitable program, ShopRite Partners in Caring.
Claiming the prize
New Jersey law gives lottery winners a year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. Winners of major jackpots often wait months or even years to come forward as they consult with lawyers and financial advisers on how to manage their windfall. The winner chose the lump-sum cash option, valued at $537.5 million before taxes.
Anonymity and legal provisions
In New Jersey, in 2020, it allowed legislation that allows winners to remain anonymous for the rest of their lives. This move aims at saving them from unwanted attention and also security risks. While they try to collect their prize, they will be confirming their identity with the lottery officials, though their identities are kept confidential from the public.
Tax implications
This jackpot will be substantially reduced, even for the winner, by large tax payments. The federal government takes 24% as a withholding tax from lottery winnings, and additional federal taxes can drive the winner into the highest tax bracket of 37%. New Jersey state also levies taxes on lottery winnings at a rate of 8%. Adding all together, he is expected to pay approximately $242 million in taxes, which is considered a big deduction.
History of the game
This $1.128 billion jackpot now ranks as the fifth-largest in the history of Mega Millions and the ninth-largest in US lottery history. The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was $1.602 billion, won on August 8, 2023, in Neptune Beach, Florida.
Current mega millions jackpot
As of December 24, 2024, the jackpot in the Mega Millions has now grown to nearly $1 billion, and the next drawing is slated for Christmas Eve.
This is the seventh largest prize in the game’s history and the largest Mega Millions has ever offered in December. For Friday’s drawing, the numbers were 2, 20, 51, 56, 67, and Mega Ball 19. If anyone wins in this lottery drawing, the jackpot winner will get an option between an annuity or a lump sum projected at $429.4 million.
