Published on: December 23, 2024, 02:15h.
Last updated on: December 23, 2024, 02:15h.
The Mega Millions jackpot has been claimed, with the winner opting for the one-time cash option of $537.5 million instead of the 30-year annuity option. The winning ticket was sold at the ShopRite grocery and liquor store in Neptune Township, New Jersey.
On March 26, 2024, a single ticket matched the winning numbers for Mega Millions, which were 7, 11, 22, 29, 38, and the Mega Ball 4.
The anonymous winner of the $1.13 billion jackpot from the ShopRite store in Neptune Township has finally redeemed the prize.
The winner opted for anonymity, as New Jersey allows winners over $600 to remain undisclosed. They chose the cash option of $537.5 million.
Payout Details
New Jersey gives winners up to a year to claim their prizes, allowing time for financial consultations before deciding on the 30-year annuity or one-time cash payout. The winner chose the latter and will receive approximately $280.9 million after taxes.
Taxes deducted from the $537.5 million cash prize amount to approximately $256.6 million, leaving the winner with a net take-home cash prize of $280.9 million.
Limited information is available about the winner, including their background and playing habits, as they chose to remain anonymous. ShopRite donated their $30K bonus for selling the winning ticket to local food banks.
Maintaining Anonymity
A 2020 law amendment in New Jersey allows lottery winners to remain indefinitely anonymous, with no public disclosure of their identity.
The winner values privacy and thus chose not to reveal their identity, in accordance with the 2020 New Jersey law.
The Mega Millions win of $537.5 million before taxes ranks as the ninth-largest cash prize in U.S. lottery history. The next Mega Millions jackpot is advertised at $944 million annuitized ($429.4 million cash).