The winning $1.13 billion Mega Millions ticket from March 26, 2024, has finally been claimed in New Jersey, nearly nine months after the drawing. The winning numbers were 7, 11, 22, 29, 38, with Mega Ball 4.

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous under New Jersey law, opted for the lump sum cash payment of $537.5 million instead of the 30-year annuity. After federal taxes of 37% ($198.8 million) and state taxes of 10.75% ($57.8 million), 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 ranks as:

• 9th largest cash lottery prize in U.S. history
• 6th richest in Mega Millions history

The winner's anonymity is protected by a 2020 New Jersey law that allows lottery winners of prizes over $600 to remain unidentified indefinitely. The law received unanimous support in the state legislature to protect winners' privacy and security.

The next Mega Millions drawing offers a jackpot of $944 million ($429.4 million cash option).

Related Articles

Previous Articles