2 people come forward to claim $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot — the nation's third-largest lottery prize
Two people who wish to remain anonymous have claimed a $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot after a single ticket to the late July drawing was sold in a Chicago suburb, opting to take a lump sum payment of $780.5 million, lottery officials said Wednesday.
The Illinois Lottery said the prize for the July 29 drawing, which was the nation's third-largest lottery prize, was claimed by two individuals who had agreed to split the prize if they won.
The winners wish to remain anonymous, and the Illinois Lottery said it was unable to share any information about the winners except to say that they must be absolutely "over the moon" with their Mega Millions win. Whether a winner can remain anonymous varies by state.
Lottery officials said the two people have spent the past few weeks working with professional legal and financial advisors to support the claim process.
"These winners are now in the enviable position of deciding what to do with their newfound fortune," said Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays.
According to megamillions.com, one jackpot-winning ticket was bought at a Speedway gas station and convenience store in Des Plaines.
The winning numbers were: 13-36-45-57-67, Mega Ball: 14.
The jackpot grew so large because no one had matched the game's six selected numbers since April 15. That's 29 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.
Mega Millions winners have a year from the drawing date to claim their prize, according to lottery rules. Winners also have 60 days to choose whether they want the money in a lump sum or smaller annual payments.
The winners aren't the only ones who cashed in from winning the Mega Millions. Retailers in Illinois generated $3.75 million in commission and bonuses from selling tickets, lottery officials said earlier this month. The Speedway that sold the winning ticket will get a $500,000 bonus, the New York Post reported.