CALABASAS, Calif. – The two winners of the $31 million Mega Millions jackpot from Tuesday’s drawing have come forward to claim their prize. John Smith, 67, and Jane Doe, 62, both from Calabasas, purchased their winning ticket at a local liquor store.
Winners Opt for Cash Payout
The winners had the choice between an annuity paying out over 30 years or a one-time lump sum cash payout. They chose the cash option, which for this jackpot comes out to $22.4 million total before taxes. After federal and state taxes, they will take home about $15 million to split evenly.
When asked what they plan to do with the money, John said he intends to pay off his mortgage and retire early. Jane wants to set up college funds for her grandchildren and take a dream trip to Italy. “We couldn’t believe it when we saw the winning numbers come up,” said Jane. “It’s going to change our lives.”
Winning Ticket Was Quick Pick
According to California Lottery officials, John and Jane’s winning ticket was a Quick Pick, meaning the numbers were randomly generated by the lottery terminal. The winning numbers for Tuesday’s drawing were 10, 12, 23, 32, 45, with a Mega Ball of 21.
This was the first time either John or Jane had won more than a small prize playing the lottery. They said they plan to keep playing now that they’re on a hot streak.
Mega Millions Jackpot Rolls Over Again
With no jackpot winner on Friday, the Mega Millions top prize has rolled over once again to an estimated $41 million for Tuesday’s drawing. The cash payout option on that prize would be $21.9 million.
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. EST. Tickets cost $2 per play.
FAQs About the Mega Millions Jackpot
How do you play Mega Millions?
To play Mega Millions, you pick five main numbers between 1-70 and one Mega Ball number between 1-25. Or you can use a Quick Pick and have the numbers randomly selected for you. Match all six numbers to win the jackpot.
What were the winning numbers again?
The winning numbers for the July 5 Mega Millions drawing were 10, 12, 23, 32, 45 and the Mega Ball was 21.
What were the odds of winning?
The odds of winning the $31 million jackpot were about 1 in 303 million. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.
Where was the ticket purchased?
The winning ticket was purchased at Lucky Jim’s Liquor store in Calabasas, California. This was the 5th jackpot winning ticket sold in California since Mega Millions began in 2002.
How many jackpot winners were there?
There were two jackpot winners – John Smith and Jane Doe of Calabasas. They chose the lump sum cash option of $22.4 million total before taxes.
When will the next drawing be held?
The next Mega Millions drawing will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 11 p.m. EST with an estimated jackpot of $41 million.
So in summary, two very lucky Calabasas residents have won half of the massive $31 million Mega Millions jackpot from earlier this week. We wish them sincere congratulations and hope they enjoy their life-changing prize! The lottery fever continues as the jackpot rolls over once again for Tuesday night. Will we see our next millionaire made? Only time will tell.