Winner of the $1.1 billion Mega Millions jackpot finally claims the prize after nearly a year

On By Littum

Nine months after the winning numbers were drawn, the winner of the fifth largest Mega Millions jackpot in history has come forward to claim their prize.

The anonymous winner submitted the $1.128 billion ticket to begin the fundraising process, NBC New York reports.

The winning ticket, purchased at a ShopRite in Neptune, New Jersey, matched all six numbers: 7, 11, 22, 29, 38 and Gold Mega Ball 4. The jackpot also included a double multiplier. This historic win marks the largest lottery prize ever awarded in New Jersey and the ninth largest in US lottery history.

The ShopRite location that sold the winning ticket has been awarded a $30,000 bonus to facilitate the historic sale.

Richard Saker, CEO of Saker ShopRites, which owns the Neptune location, expressed pride in the store’s role in this momentous event. In one press conferencesaid Saker, “It’s an amazing thing when you think about how lucky we are to be the store that sold this ticket. It’s 1 in 302 million; that’s the chance of winning this lottery.”

Saker announced that the $30,000 commission would be donated to the ShopRite Partners in Caring program, specifically benefiting Fulfill, the local food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The winner of the $1.1 billion payout has chosen to remain anonymous
The winner of the $1.1 billion payout has chosen to remain anonymous (Getty Images)

“I am very proud to accept this commission check,” he said. “I’m sure the food bank will really appreciate this donation.”

This jackpot was the result of a series of rollovers beginning in late 2023, eventually building up to the March 26 draw.

New Jersey winners have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. While it’s still unclear why the winner waited so long to claim their prize, experts often recommend they take the time to consult with legal and financial advisors before claiming.

“This is a historic moment for the New Jersey Lottery and Mega Millions players across the country,” said James Carey, CEO of New Jersey Lottery. “We hope the winner is able to use this incredible fortune to improve their lives and the lives of others.”

The unidentified winner manually selected the winning numbers and selected the cash payout option of approx. $537.5 million before tax, NJ.com reports. Under New Jersey state law passed in 2020, lottery winners have the right to remain anonymous. The winner has chosen to use this option even though they were required to confirm their identity to lottery officials as part of the claim process.

Back in September, a lucky Texan won an amazing $800 million in the Mega Millions jackpot after buying a ticket at a gas station in Sugar Land.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are only 1 in 302.6 million,