The Mega Millions drawing on September 22, 2024, was an eventful night, especially for one lucky player in Florida who claimed the massive $530 million jackpot. This significant win is one of the largest jackpots in Mega Millions history and has captured the attention of lottery enthusiasts nationwide.
Winning Numbers and Prize Details
The winning numbers for the September 22 draw were 10, 19, 26, 42, 61, and the Mega Ball number was 15. The Florida winner now has the option to take the full annuity amount of $530 million, spread over 30 annual payments, or a lump sum payment estimated at around $252.4 million before taxes.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the prize distribution and the number of winners across different prize tiers:
| Match Type | Number of Winners | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | 1 | $530 million (Annuity) |
| 5 | 0 | $1 million |
| 4 + Mega Ball | 1 | $10,000 |
| 4 | 19 | $500 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | 53 | $200 |
| 3 | 1,477 | $10 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | 1,376 | $10 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | 10,992 | $4 |
| Mega Ball Only | 26,059 | $2 |
Florida’s Latest Jackpot Win
This win marks another monumental achievement for Florida, which has seen its fair share of Mega Millions successes in recent years. The winner purchased the ticket at a local retailer, and the win has created a buzz throughout the state. It’s worth noting that the winner has 180 days to claim the prize and decide between the annuity or lump sum payout options.
Historical Context: Top Mega Millions Jackpots
This $530 million jackpot ranks among the top Mega Millions jackpots ever won. Here’s a look at the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history:
- $1.602 Billion – August 8, 2023 (Florida)
- $1.537 Billion – October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
- $1.05 Billion – January 22, 2021 (Michigan)
- $656 Million – March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)
- $648 Million – December 17, 2013 (California, Georgia)
- $543 Million – July 24, 2018 (California)
- $536 Million – July 8, 2016 (Indiana)
- $533 Million – March 30, 2018 (New Jersey)
- $530 Million – September 22, 2024 (Florida)
- $522 Million – June 7, 2019 (California)
How to Play Mega Millions?
Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET. Players must choose five numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. Tickets are priced at $2 each, with an additional $1 for the Megaplier option, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
If no ticket matches all six numbers drawn, the jackpot continues to roll over, increasing the prize amount for the next drawing. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24, while the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million.
Claiming the Prize
For the lucky Florida winner, the next step is to contact the Florida Lottery to begin the claim process. Prizes of this magnitude can be claimed at any of the Lottery District Offices, but it’s recommended to contact the lottery officials directly for guidance on the best way to proceed.
Winners have the option to choose between a lump sum cash payout or the full annuity amount paid over 30 years. The annuity option offers annual payments that increase by 5% each year, providing a stable income over time, while the lump sum provides a one-time, large cash payment.
What’s Next for Mega Millions?
With the jackpot now reset to an estimated $20 million for the next drawing, the excitement continues. As players gear up for the upcoming draws, the anticipation builds for another possible big win.
Whether you’re a seasoned lottery player or just enjoy the occasional ticket purchase, Mega Millions offers an exciting opportunity to dream big. So, if you’re feeling lucky, get your ticket for the next draw—you never know, the next big winner could be you!