
This life-changing win came during Friday’s drawing on January 17, making it the first big Mega Millions win of 2025.
Winning Numbers and Payout Details
The winning numbers were 8, 10, 37, 54, and 69, with a Mega Ball of 22. The jackpot, now reset to $20 million with a cash option of $8.9 million, will be up for grabs again in the next drawing on Tuesday, January 21.
In addition to the jackpot winner, over 450,000 tickets sold across the U.S. snagged prizes ranging from $2 to $30,000. Talk about starting the year on a high note!
What Makes Mega Millions So Popular?
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s one of the most popular lotteries in the country, with a ticket costing just $2 (though prices are set to rise to $5 in April).
To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball. The odds of winning? A staggering 1 in 302,575,350. But hey, someone’s got to win, right?
Arizona Joins the Jackpot Hall of Fame
This marks another big win for Arizona, a state known for producing its fair share of lucky lottery winners. The last Mega Millions jackpot win came in December 2024, when a California player claimed nearly $1.3 billion, making this $113 million prize look modest in comparison.
What’s Next for the Winner?
The winner, who remains anonymous for now, faces some big decisions—whether to take the lump sum cash option or receive the jackpot as an annuity over 30 years. Either way, their financial future looks bright.
Experts often advise lottery winners to seek financial and legal guidance to make the most of their newfound wealth and avoid the pitfalls that can come with such a windfall.
What Should You Know About Mega Millions?
For those inspired by this story, remember that Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET and can be streamed online. Tickets are available until shortly before the drawing, but sales cut-off times vary by state.
If you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction, help is available. Contact the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for support.
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