Biggest Mega Millions Jackpots in History

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Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. It’s known for giving people the chance to win life-changing money with just a small ticket purchase. Over the years, Mega Millions jackpots have grown to incredible amounts, turning regular folks into instant millionaires and even billionaires. Let’s take a look at the biggest Mega Millions jackpots in history and what made these wins so unforgettable.

The Biggest Mega Millions Jackpot Ever – $1.602 Billion (August 2023)

The largest Mega Millions jackpot in history was won in August 2023. A single ticket sold in Florida took home a staggering $1.602 billion. The lucky winner chose the lump sum cash option, walking away with over $700 million after taxes. This jackpot had rolled over for more than 30 drawings, building massive excitement across the country. It was the first time a Mega Millions prize crossed the $1.6 billion mark.
This jackpot broke all previous records and became the second-largest lottery win in U.S. history, only behind a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot. The winning numbers were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33, and the Mega Ball was 14. The ticket was bought at a Publix grocery store in Neptune Beach, Florida.

Second Biggest – $1.537 Billion (October 2018)

Before the 2023 record, the October 2018 draw held the top spot for the biggest Mega Millions jackpot. A single winner from South Carolina took home $1.537 billion. It was the largest jackpot ever won on a single ticket in U.S. history at that time.
The winner chose to stay anonymous, as allowed by South Carolina law. The winning ticket was bought at a KC Mart in Simpsonville. This massive prize came after 25 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.

Third Place – $1.348 Billion (January 2023)

In January 2023, someone in Maine won $1.348 billion, placing this win as the third-largest Mega Millions jackpot. This was the first time someone from Maine had ever won a Mega Millions jackpot. The prize had been building since October 2022, crossing the billion-dollar mark after three months of rollovers.
The winner decided to remain anonymous and took the cash option of $723.5 million. The ticket was purchased at Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon, Maine.

Fourth Largest – $1.337 Billion (July 2022)

A couple from Illinois took home $1.337 billion in July 2022. This was another single-ticket win, making it one of the largest personal Mega Millions jackpots. The winning numbers were drawn on July 29, 2022, and the ticket was sold at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Illinois.
The winners came forward months later and chose to stay anonymous. They selected the lump sum option, receiving around $780.5 million before taxes.

Fifth Largest – $1.05 Billion (January 2021)

Michigan saw a massive win in January 2021 when a group of four people calling themselves the “Wolverine FLL Club” won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot. They chose to take the cash option, which was around $776 million.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in Novi, Michigan. The group remained anonymous but shared through their lawyer that they planned to give back to their community.

Why Mega Millions Jackpots Grow So High

Mega Millions jackpots grow so large because of the way the game is designed. When there’s no winner, the prize rolls over to the next draw, adding millions more each time. Since people start buying more tickets as the jackpot grows, the prize grows even faster.
Each Mega Millions ticket costs 7$, and players must pick five numbers between 1 and 70, plus a Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. Getting all six numbers right is how someone wins the jackpot.

What Winners Do with Their Money

Many winners choose to remain anonymous to protect their privacy. Those who do go public often share stories of paying off debt, helping family, donating to charity, and traveling the world. Some winners also start foundations or support local community projects.
But winning such a large amount also comes with challenges. Some winners hire financial advisors, lawyers, and accountants to help manage their newfound wealth wisely.

Final Thoughts

Mega Millions jackpots have changed many lives and created unforgettable moments in lottery history. From billion-dollar prizes to small-town wins, each story is unique and inspiring in its own way.
People all over the world watch these jackpots grow with excitement, dreaming of hitting the right numbers one day. While winning isn’t easy, the hope that it could happen is what keeps millions of people playing.
For those who love to try their luck, keeping an eye on upcoming Mega Millions jackpots might just be worth it. One ticket can turn into the story of a lifetime.
Play responsibly. Winning the lottery is rare, but if you enjoy the game and play for fun, it can add a bit of excitement to your day.
If you’re looking to try your luck, websites like WeLoveLotto make it easier to buy your tickets online and stay updated on current jackpots.

 

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