Florida lottery holder wins $800 million Mega Millions jackpot after four months of wait; winning numbers, prizes and play instructions
A lucky Florida lottery player has finally won an $800 million Mega Millions jackpot after going unclaimed for more than four months.The winning ticket was sold in Florida during the Tuesday, July 28 drawing, according to the Mega Millions website. The jackpot includes a $344.2 million cash option and becomes the third Mega Millions jackpot won this year. It also ranks as the tenth largest jackpot in lottery history.Winners now have two options for receiving their prizes — either a lump sum cash payment or the annuity option, which pays out immediately and then in annual installments that increase by 5% each year, USA Today reported.
Millions jackpot winning numbers revealed
The winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing were:34-48-49-59-70Mega Ball: 12The jackpot has been piling up since the last Mega Millions win on St. Patrick’s Day in March, when a player from Ohio won $60 million. Since then, there have been 38 consecutive draws without a winner.
Other Mega Millions winners
While one lottery holder in Florida won the jackpot, two other players also won big by matching five white ball numbers.A player from New York won a $3 million Game 5 bonus, while another winner from Illinois took home a $5 million Game 5 bonus.
Next Mega Millions jackpot resets to $50 million
After winning $800 million, the Mega Millions jackpot has been reset to $50 million. The next drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 31st at 11pm ET.Top 10 Million Jackpots with Highest Prizes$1.602 billion – August 8, 2023, Florida$1.537 billion – October 23, 2018, South Carolina$1.348 billion – January 1, 2023, Maine$1.337 billion – July 29, 2022, Illinois$1.269 billion – December 27, 2024, California$1.128 billion – March 26, 2024, New Jersey$1.05 billion – Michigan, January 22, 2021$983 million – November 14, 2025, Georgia$810 million – September 10, 2024, Texas$800 million – July 28, 2026, Florida
What is a millionaire?
Mega Millions is a lottery game played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Tickets cost $5 each and players can choose from five numbers between 1 and 70, as well as a Mega Ball number between 1 and 24. Players can choose their own numbers or use the Quick Pick/Easy Pick options where the numbers are randomly generated.To win the jackpot, players must match all six numbers drawn. If multiple players win the jackpot in the same draw, the prize will be split equally between the winners.
How long do winners have to claim their prize?
The deadline to claim your Mega Millions prize varies depending on the state where the ticket was purchased. Generally, winners have 90 days to one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.Lottery officials advise winners to check with their local state lottery agency for specific claim deadlines.
How to play Mega Millions
Players can purchase Mega Millions tickets from authorized retailers, including convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can also be purchased online.After purchasing a ticket, players select five white ball numbers and one super ball number. Those who don’t want to choose their own number can choose the “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” options.The Mega Millions lottery now includes a built-in multiplier feature that can double, triple, quadruple, quintuple or tenfold non-jackpot prizes. Previously, players had to pay extra to add the “Megaplier” option.
