CHICAGO (CBS) — A winning Mega Millions ticket worth $552 million was purchased online by someone in Illinois, lottery officials announced Wednesday.
The prize is said to be the largest ever won by an iLottery player in the country.
The player matched all five numbers and the Mega Ball, winning Tuesday night’s jackpot and becoming the fourth Illinois Mega Millions player to win more than $1 million so far this year.
Those numbers were again 19, 37, 40, 63, 69 and Mega Ball 17.
Despite the life-changing win, it didn’t top Illinois’ biggest prize win.
The Mega Millions jackpot of $1.34 billion starting in 2022 remains at the top. According to lottery officials, it was also the third largest prize ever won in the country’s history.
The prize, claimed eight weeks after the winning draw, was split between two people who agreed to share the prize if won. After consulting with legal and financial advisors, they walked away with a lump sum of $780.5 million.
Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw to claim their prize. They are also encouraged to write their name on the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place until they are ready to redeem their prize.
The Mega Millions game is played every Tuesday and Friday evening.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 833234. Additional information can be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
