At least one Mega Millions player is ready to celebrate the New Year after drawing the winner of a $1.22 billion jackpot sold in California. After a three-month drought without any top-prize winners, the lucky ticket was purchased at the Circle K in Cottonwood, a small town located about 150 miles north of Sacramento, according to Mega Millions officials.

The ticket matched the winning numbers of 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6, with a Megaplier of three. The identity of the winner has not yet been revealed, but it is believed that they are facing a life-changing experience. Ishar Gill, son of the store owner, called the win “a blessing” for their community of around 6,000 residents. “We don’t have the slightest clue of who may have won it or who may have sold it,” Gill remarked, as shared by AP News and other outlets.

Winners can choose between an annuity paid over 29 years or a lump sum cash payout, with the estimated cash value for this drawing sitting at approximately $549.7 million. Nearly all top-prize winners opt for the lump sum option.

The jackpot itself has become the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history, growing since the last significant prize was awarded on September 10 with an $810 million win from a Texas ticket. According to Joshua Johnston, the lead director of the Mega Millions consortium, “Congratulations to our $1.22 billion jackpot winner from California. What an amazing present this holiday season!”

California Lottery representatives emphasized that players should take care of their winning tickets, which are now seen as invaluable treasures. Additionally, they also noted that identifiable winners have a full year to claim their prizes, while other smaller prize winners typically have six months.

Despite the daunting odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continue purchasing tickets as the grand prize climbed. This victory has sparked excitement across the nation, as it is one of several recently high-stakes jackpots. Mega Millions and Powerball are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As the lottery world's excitement continues, the next Mega Millions drawing estimates a jackpot reset to $20 million. Changes are upcoming, including a potential rise in ticket prices from $2 to $5.

For further details, visit the original source at LA Times.