A life-altering event unfolded in Cottonwood, California, as a single Mega Millions ticket purchased at a Circle K gas station matched all six numbers in the December 27th drawing, claiming a staggering $1.269 billion jackpot. This monumental win marks the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot and the seventh to surpass the $1 billion mark in the lottery’s history. The lucky winner, whose identity remains unknown, can choose to receive the prize as an annuity or a lump sum cash payment of $571.9 million.
A Small Town Celebrates a Billion-Dollar Win
The winning ticket was sold at a Circle K located at 3505 Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, a small town in Northern California. The California Lottery officially confirmed the win via a post on X (formerly Twitter), setting off a wave of excitement and speculation within the community. For selling the winning ticket, the Circle K will receive a $1 million bonus, the maximum reward offered to retailers by the California Lottery.
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The winning numbers for the December 27th drawing were 3, 7, 37, 49, and 55, with the gold Mega Ball number 6. In addition to the jackpot winner, over 5.6 million other tickets won prizes ranging from a few dollars to several thousand, highlighting the widespread impact of this massive lottery event. The California Lottery revealed that five tickets matched the five white balls, securing the second-tier prize.
Circle K Owners Express Joy and Disbelief
Jaspal Singh, the owner of the lucky Circle K, and his son, Ishar Gill, the Director of Operations, expressed their astonishment and joy over the news. In a Facebook post, the store described itself as “honestly speechless” and congratulated the anonymous winner, extending their gratitude to the Cottonwood community for their continued support.
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Gill recounted the moment he learned about the winning ticket sale in an interview with local news station KRCR. He described having to read the news multiple times before it sunk in, sharing the disbelief and excitement he felt upon informing his father. He emphasized the widespread buzz and joy the win has generated throughout the town. The news has not only brought excitement to the winner but also to the entire community, demonstrating the power of hope and chance inherent in lottery games.
Claiming the Prize and the Future
The California Lottery allows winners one year from the draw date to claim their prize. While the jackpot winner remains anonymous, speculation runs rampant in Cottonwood and beyond. For those who purchased tickets with smaller wins, the deadline to claim prizes is six months. As the winner has yet to come forward, the anticipation surrounding their identity and plans for the massive windfall continues to build. This historic win serves as a reminder of the life-changing possibilities that lottery games offer, captivating the imagination of millions across the country. The story of the Cottonwood Circle K will undoubtedly remain a local legend for years to come, symbolizing the enduring allure of striking it rich. While the winner’s identity remains a mystery, the impact of their fortune is sure to be felt throughout the community. The Mega Millions lottery continues to draw players with its massive jackpots and the dream of instant wealth, creating moments of excitement and anticipation for participants nationwide.
