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A LUCKY player of the Mega Millions lottery doesn’t know it yet – but they’re a millionaire.
Mega Millions officials have shared that one winning ticket worth $3 million is yet to be claimed.
The winning Mega Millions lottery ticket comes from the November 8 draw.
One very lucky winner struck gold, (or millions) by matching the numbers: 25, 28, 42, 64, and 69. The Mega Ball was number 19 and the Megaplier of 3.
While they didn’t match the Mega Ball, thanks to the optional Megaplier feature, the winner’s prize was tripled from $1 million to a staggering $3 million.
With a deadline to claim the prize set for May 7, 2025, time is ticking for the mystery person to step forward.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Cumberland Farms convenience store at 1978 West Street in Southington, Connecticut.
Connecticut Lottery officials are urging players to check their tickets, as the unclaimed jackpot remains a tantalizing mystery.
The winning ticket was sold the popular neighborhood stop for coffee, snacks, and now – life-changing lottery tickets.
Lottery officials encourage all Mega Millions players to double-check any tickets purchased on or around November 8, 2024, to ensure they don’t miss out on this incredible prize.
If the prize isn’t claimed by the May deadline, the $3 million will be returned to the state and allocated for various lottery-funded programs.
To play Mega Millions you’ll first have to pick five numbers from 1-70 and a Mega Ball from 1-25, there’s also the additional option to input a Megaplier from 2-5 for extra winnings.
Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11 pm ET.
For large winnings, you’ll likely need to visit a lottery claim center or submit your claim via mail.
It’s worth noting that prizes exceeding a certain threshold may require additional documentation.
Remember to sign the back of your ticket to prove ownership and avoid losing out on a life-changing prize.
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?
The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.
Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.
Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.
Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.
For now, the clock is still ticking away and the winner remains a mystery.
Could it be you? If you’ve played Mega Millions recently, it might be worth checking your ticket as you could just be Connecticut’s next multimillionaire.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
