One lucky Mega Millions player scoops incredible $1,220,000,000 jackpot – but there’s a catch

One lucky Mega Millions player has scooped an incredible $1.22 billion after months without a winner.

The winning ticket was sold in California ahead of Friday night’s draw, the website said.

White balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6 were on it, scooping its owner the fifth-biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever.

The winner’s identity was not immediately known.

They will only pocket the total amount if they opt for an annuity paid over 29 years.

Nearly all grand prize winners choose to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.

Despite the game’s long odds of just over one in 300,000,000, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew.

Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was September 10.

The largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was sold in Florida in August 2023.

Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger.

Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington DC, and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.

Mega Millions ticket prices are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April.

The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in improved jackpot odds, more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts.

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