After more than four months of eager anticipation, the biggest lottery winner of all times has finally come forward! The South Carolina winner of the $1.53 billion Mega Millions jackpot of October 23rd, 2018 has placed the claim for the record-breaking prize.
However, there will be no publicity photos with the grand Mega Millions winner, no happy poses with the giant cheque because the jackpot winner has decided to remain anonymous. South Carolina is one of the very few American states where lottery winners are permitted to keep their identities private.
The mystery South Carolinian has opted for the cash lump payout on the record $1.537 billion jackpot, which amounts to $878 million before taxes. The anonymous winner is now the world’s biggest winner of all times. The record was previously held by Mavis Wanczyk, a woman from Chicopee, Massachusetts, who won a whopping $758 million in the US Powerball (the cash payout was worth $480 million).
Hogan Brown, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Lottery Commission, said that they “respect the winner’s decision to remain anonymous, and we will honor the winner’s wishes.”
He also revealed that the $1.53-billion ticket was a Quick Pick and that it was a great twist of fortune. The South Carolinian winner has long reflected on the events of that day and how they rolled out to such a remarkable turnout.
“The winner even allowed a fellow customer to make a Mega Millions lottery ticket purchase in front of the winner while in line at the store. A simple act of kindness led to an amazing outcome.”, said Mr. Brown.
The state of South Carolina will now be able to collect its $61 million from the income taxes that the winner will pay out. This means that the state budget will not suffer any modifications, which is great news as this could have caused some serious financial issues.