SACRAMENTO, September 26, 2002 - Lottery officials announced the estimated SuperLotto Plus jackpot for Saturday night's draw at $45 million. "It's nice to know that only $1 dollar could buy you a chance at winning a life changing prize. Thinking about $45 million and all of the good things you can do with it is certainly enjoyment," said Lottery Director Joan Wilson. "The best part about playing the Lottery, is that it helps our public schools."
A single jackpot winner of $45 million who chooses the 26 graduated annual payments would receive approximately $1,125,000 the first year and $2,295,000 the 26th year (before taxes). A single jackpot winner who chooses the cash option would receive the estimated cash value which is roughly half the announced jackpot or $22.5 million (before taxes).
On February 16, 2002 the largest jackpot in California Lottery history reached $193 million and was won by three winning tickets from Orange, Half Moon Bay and Montebello. On June 23, 2001, Alcario Castellano of San Jose purchased the largest single winning jackpot ticket in California Lottery history. Castellano became the record-breaking highest individual jackpot winner of $141 million.
With at least 34% of all Lottery sales going to education, the sales from this jackpot (which has rolled 7 times) will generate an estimated $28.5 million for public education. California's schools have received $13 billion from 34% of Lottery sales since 1985.
SuperLotto Plus can be played at more than 18,000 retail business establishments around the state. The SuperLotto Plus draw takes place each Wednesday and Saturday night at 7:58 p.m. Players can purchase tickets until 7:45 p.m. on the night of the draw.
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