$800 million Mega Millions jackpot won by Florida ticket holder after four-month wait; winning numbers, payout and how to play explained

$800 million Mega Millions jackpot won by Florida ticket holder after four-month wait; winning numbers, payout and how to play explained

A lucky lottery player in Florida has finally claimed the massive $800 million Mega Millions jackpot after the prize went unclaimed for more than four months.According to the Mega Millions website, the winning ticket was sold in Florida for the Tuesday, July 28 drawing. The jackpot carried a cash option of $344.2 million and became the third Mega Millions jackpot to be won this year. It also ranks as the 10th-largest jackpot in the history of the lottery.According to USA Today, the winner now has two options to claim the prize – either receive a one-time lump-sum cash payment or choose the annuity option, which provides an immediate payment followed by annual instalments that increase by 5% each year.

Winning Mega Millions numbers revealed

The winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing were:34 – 48 – 49 – 59 – 70Mega Ball: 12The jackpot had been building since the previous Mega Millions grand prize was won on St. Patrick’s Day in March, when a player from Ohio won $60 million. Since then, there had been 38 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.

Other Mega Millions winners

While one Florida ticket holder won the grand prize, two other players also hit major prizes by matching five white-ball numbers.A player from New York won the $3 million Match 5 prize, while another winner from Illinois claimed the $5 million Match 5 prize.

Next Mega Millions jackpot resets to $50 million

Following the $800 million win, the Mega Millions jackpot has reset to $50 million. The next drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 31, at 11 p.m. ET.Top 10 biggest Mega Millions jackpots$1.602 billion — August 8, 2023, Florida$1.537 billion — October 23, 2018, South Carolina$1.348 billion — January 1, 2023, Maine$1.337 billion — July 29, 2022, Illinois$1.269 billion — December 27, 2024, California$1.128 billion — March 26, 2024, New Jersey$1.05 billion — January 22, 2021, Michigan$983 million — November 14, 2025, Georgia$810 million — September 10, 2024, Texas$800 million — July 28, 2026, Florida

What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is a lottery game played across 45 US states, Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands.Each ticket costs $5, and players select five numbers from 1 to 70, along with one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Players can either choose their own numbers or use the Quick Pick/Easy Pick option, where numbers are randomly generated.To win the jackpot, players must match all six numbers drawn. If multiple players win the jackpot in the same drawing, the prize is divided among the winners.

How long does a winner have to claim the prize?

The deadline to claim Mega Millions winnings varies depending on the state where the ticket was purchased. Typically, winners have between 90 days and one year from the draw date to claim their prize.Lottery officials advise winners to check with their local state lottery for specific claim deadlines.

How to play Mega Millions

Players can purchase Mega Millions tickets from authorised retailers, including convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can also be purchased online.After buying a ticket, players select five white-ball numbers and one Mega Ball number. Those who prefer not to choose their own numbers can opt for the Quick Pick or Easy Pick option.Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier feature, which can increase non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an additional amount to add the Megaplier option.