Florida Sells Winning Ticket for $800M Mega Millions Jackpot

A single lottery ticket sold in Florida matched all six numbers to win an estimated $800 million Mega Millions jackpot, according to lottery officials. The winning numbers for the Tuesday night drawing were 34, 48, 49, 59, 70, with the gold Mega Ball 12, marking the tenth-largest prize in the history of the game.

Understanding Mega Millions Jackpot Odds and Payouts

The winner of the $800 million grand prize faces a choice between the annuitized sum or a one-time pre-tax cash payout of $344.2 million, according to lottery rules. Most winners select the lump sum option. Mandatory federal withholding of 24% cuts that cash prize to an estimated $261.6 million. Winning the grand prize requires overcoming odds of 1 in 290,472,336 in the newly revamped game, as reported by state lottery data.

Recent Winners and Second-Tier Prizes

While one player claimed the grand prize, two other players hit second-tier prizes by matching all five white ball numbers. A $3 million winning ticket was sold at the Corner Market in Buffalo, New York, while another ticket worth $5 million was sold in Illinois, according to lottery officials. Tuesday’s drawing ended a 38-drawing drought for the grand prize, which was last won on March 17 when The Happy Trails Trust claimed a $60 million prize in Van Wert, Ohio. A week prior, an anonymous online player in Illinois won a $536 million grand prize on March 10.

Florida’s Lottery History

Florida has now produced six Mega Millions grand prize winners. The state’s previous jackpot occurred in August 2023, when two winning tickets were sold within three drawings, including the record-breaking $1.62 billion prize. Following the latest multi-state drawing, players turn their attention to the Powerball drawing, which features an estimated $663 million jackpot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the $800 million winning ticket sold?

State lottery officials have not yet announced the specific location where the winning ticket was purchased in Florida.

What are the cash payout options for the winner?

The winner can choose between the full $800 million prize paid out over time or a one-time pre-tax cash lump sum of $344.2 million.

What were the winning Mega Millions numbers?

The winning numbers for the drawing were 34, 48, 49, 59, 70, and the gold Mega Ball 12.

How many times has Florida won the Mega Millions?

Florida has won six Mega Millions grand prizes.