The jackpot of the Mega Millions soared to a new record when it reached $1,602 Billion on August 8, 2023. It is actually one of the largest prizes in U.S. history!
The winning Mega Millions ticket, which was purchased at a Publix grocery store in Neptune Beach, was the only one of the more than 7 million winning tickets in that draw (all Mega Millions prize levels!) featuring every one of the winning numbers. The winning numbers drawn that night were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33 and the Mega Ball 14.
Seven tickets also won the second prize. Out of those 7 tickets, 2 had opted for the Megaplier, this means that they won $2 Million instead of $1 Million.
The employees of the Publix were the ticket was sold hoped luck had struck one of them. The conversation at work the very next morning started like this:
“Mary, did you win the billion dollars?”
To which, Mary answered:
“Nope, and I assume you didn’t, either,”
They definitely checked the Mega Millions results after hearing that the ticket was sold at their shop.
The winner or group of winners owning that lucky ticket has 180 days, from the day of the draw, to come forward in Tallahassee and claim their prize.
James F. Davis, secretary of the Florida Lottery declared: “These individuals are going to perhaps contact a lawyer, contact a financial adviser and make sure they get their ducks in a row,” to which he added: “Because as you know when you are a winner you have an opportunity to be able to make such a difference in so many individual lives.”
If the Mega Millions winner chooses the annuity option, they would receive the $1.602 Billion prize over 30 years. However, most people opt for a one-time payment, which is estimated at $794.2 Million.