SACRAMENTO – A record-breaking $172 million jackpot for the California State Lottery’s newest lotto game, MEGA Millions, is the highest prize since the game was introduced in June. This is the second highest ever jackpot offered to Californians in the California State Lottery’s 20 year history.
No player within the twelve MEGA Millions states selected the winning combination of numbers (1, 8, 27, 31, 50, and MEGA number 40) from Tuesday night’s draw. However, thousands of Californians did win prizes: four players won more than $61,000 matching 4 numbers plus the MEGA number. “In total, 93,814 tickets won prizes ranging from one dollar to $15,350,” said Rosa Escutia, Public Relations/Communications Director for the California State Lottery.
A lucky player who wins $172 million, would receive equal payments of approximately $6.6 million a year (before taxes) for the next 26 years, or if electing the cash option would receive $86 million (roughly half the amount of the jackpot, before federal taxes). A retailer who sells a winning ticket worth $172 million would receive a bonus of $860,000 for selling the winning ticket.
To purchase your MEGA Millions ticket for Friday’s draw go to any of the more than 18,000 Lottery retailers in California by 7:45p.m. Are you having trouble deciding which lotto game to play? Try a “California Combo.” This fun option gives players 5 MEGA Millions plays and 5 SuperLOTTO Plus plays with a single purchase!