In a remarkable turn of events, a single ticket sold in Cottonwood, California, has won the staggering Mega Millions jackpot of $1 billion. The winning numbers drawn on December 12, 2024, were 7, 13, 14, 15, 49, and a Mega Ball of 12. This extraordinary win marks one of the largest lottery payouts in U.S. history, giving the lucky winner the option of either a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $516 million or an annuity payment spread over 30 years. California Lottery officials announced that the winning ticket was purchased at the Cottonwood Market, further igniting excitement in the local community. ‘This is a life-changing moment for someone and an incredible boost for our community,’ said California Lottery spokesperson Jessica Houghton. The jackpot had been rolling over since it last was hit on October 31, 2024, which was worth $1.22 billion. The current win not only puts Cottonwood, a small town known for its close-knit community, into the spotlight, but it also showcases the life-altering potential of lottery games. Incredibly, the odds of winning such a jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million, making this victory a remarkable exception. In total, the Mega Millions game has raised over $1.5 billion for public education and partner lottery funds in California, illustrating the dual impact of lottery games on community funding. As the winner begins to adjust to their newfound wealth, speculations and excitement swirl about the next steps for the life-changing sum.
Historic $1 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot Won in California
