09 August 2023 , 05:40
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One lucky person in Florida has won an incredible $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot – which officials believe to be the largest in the lottery’s history – according to the lottery’s website.
The numbers were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33 with a gold Mega Ball of 14 - and the lucky winner has two options to consider.
The $1.58 billion payout will go straight to the winner if they opt for an annuity, doled out over 30 years.
But many winners opt a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot is an estimated $783.3 million.
One lucky Florida resident will be waking up to a whole new life (Getty Images)The incredible jackpot is not only the largest in Mega Millions history, it was the third biggest in U.S. lottery history. It has been steadily rising since mid-April with 31 drawings have been held without anyone matching all six numbers.
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The prize money is subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington DC, and the US Virgin Islands.
It comes as a grocery store manager almost threw away his $1million winning ticket - just moments before a lottery retailer told him he was a millionaire.
Jonathan S, from Tennessee, US, had purchased a Millionaire Jumbo Bucks instant ticket at Midfield Market when he was about to chuck away his ticket after believing he wasn't a winner.
However, he decided to double-check the ticket and visited a lottery retailer to get it rubber-stumped when he was informed of the amazing news.
According to the lottery, more than $30.6million was won in prizes last week including Eric P, a forecast analyst in Nashville, who won a staggering $920,000 playing the Tennessee Cash drawing-style game.