Single ticket-holder wins $1.35 billion mega millions jackpot

The billionaire cannot remain anonymous

A lucky gambler woke up a billionaire today. After three months of draws without a winner, one player matched all six numbers on Friday to win an estimated $1.35 billion Mega Millions prize in the US. The winning numbers were: 30, 43, 45, 46, 61 and gold Mega Ball 14. According to the Mega Millions website, the windfall is the second biggest jackpot in the history of the game and was won in Maine. The next grand prize announced is$20 million, which doesn't seem much in comparison. “Congratulations to the Maine State Lottery, which has just won its first-ever Mega Millions jackpot,” Ohio lottery director Pat McDonald, lead director for the Mega Millions consortium, said. “It’s the fourth billion-dollar jackpot in Mega Millions history. We thank all our retailers for their hard work during this spectacular run, and our customers for their enthusiasm and support. I hope the fun and excitement Mega Millions has generated inspires a winning attitude in our daily lives and towards everyone we meet. Here’s to a good year!” Mega Millions officials did not immediately release a statement about the jackpot winner, but in Maine, media reports say, lottery winners cannot remain anonymous, and must release their first name, as well as the first letter of their surname. The $1.35 billion grand prize is for a winner who takes an annuity with annual payments over 29 years. Winners almost always choose the cash option, which for Friday night was an estimated $724.6 million. There had been 25 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The odds of winning Friday's jackpot were 1 in 302.6 million. Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, and the US Virgin Islands. Related links:

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