A MEGA Millions player scooped a prize worth more than $200,000 – but a state rule means they are set to take home less than their fellow winners.
The gambler, from California, is set to take home thousands after matching five numbers on the Mega Millions draw.
A Mega Millions ticket is set to walk away with $226,000 (stock)[/caption]
They defied odds of more than one in 12.6 million by achieving the feat.
Usually, a player matching five numbers would take home a minimum of $1 million.
California Lotto officials revealed the winning slip was bought at a Safeway store.
Mega Millions officials revealed two ticket holders from California matched five numbers.
A player from Louisiana and Oklahoma also won big, but no player took home the jackpot.
However, California lotto players are affected by a specific rule.
Payments are issued based on the sales and number of winners.
It is the only state which has a pari-mutuel rule for non-jackpot winners.
This means that they will take home more than $226,000 when they come forward.
But sometimes, the pari-mutuel rule can end up being an advantage to the lotto player.
In 2022, one player thought she had landed a $1 million windfall after matching five numbers.
But she was playing at a time when a jackpot worth $1.137 billion was up for grabs.
The rule meant she ended up walking away with a $4.2 million prize before tax, as reported by The CW affiliate KTLA-TV.
But, lotto winners must pay a tax of 24% to the federal government.
The Mega Millions jackpot has now rolled over to a whopping $825 million and has an estimated cash value of $382.2 million.
Players must defy the odds of one in around 302.6 million to scoop what would be a life-changing amount.
It costs just $2 to play the game of chance, and players just have to fork out an extra dollar for the Megaplier option.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
- Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
- Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, from Michigan.
- Unknown winner – $842.4 million Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, from Michigan.
However, the rules surrounding the game of luck are set to change, and players need to take note of this.
The cost of a Mega Millions ticket will rise to $5 from April next year.
But it is only the second increase the game has seen in its 28-year history.
Bosses have revealed that the odds of players winning a prize will increase slightly as one of the golden Mega Balls will be ditched.
Another incentive for gamblers is that break-even prizes will be removed, and larger jackpots will grow faster than ever.
Mega Millions Updates in 2025
Mega Millions is making eight crucial changes to its lottery game starting in April 2025. Each is listed below:
- Bigger jackpots occurring more frequently
- Odds improved for jackpot wins
- Larger jackpot starting points
- Jackpots grow faster than before
- Tickets include a built-in multiplier that automatically adds 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X for wins
- Matching all five white balls now results in up to a $10 million win
- Wins are always more than the cost of the ticket
- The cost of a ticket is increasing to $5
Credit: Mega Millions
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
