Mega Millions Winner Claims $1.13B Prize Just Months Before Deadline
A Mega Millions ticket worth $1.13 billion from the March 26, 2024 drawing has finally been claimed in New Jersey, nearly nine months after the winning numbers (7, 11, 22, 29, 38, and Mega Ball 4) were drawn.
Two men present oversized check
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous under New Jersey law, opted for the one-time cash payment of $537.5 million instead of the full annuity amount. After federal taxes (37%) and state taxes (10.75%), the winner will take home approximately $280.9 million.
The winning ticket was purchased at ShopRite in Neptune Township, which received a $30,000 bonus for selling the ticket. The store donated their bonus to local food banks.
This jackpot represents the ninth-largest cash lottery prize in U.S. history and the sixth-richest in Mega Millions history. The winner had up to one year to claim their prize, as permitted by New Jersey law, which also allows winners of prizes over $600 to maintain their anonymity indefinitely.
The next Mega Millions drawing offers an advertised jackpot of $944 million ($429.4 million cash option).
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