A winning ticket in Florida has matched all the numbers, securing a $1.58 billion (£1.18 billion) Mega Millions lottery jackpot, marking it as the third-largest jackpot in US history.
The fortunate ticket was purchased at a supermarket located in Neptune Beach, a northern Florida town close to Jacksonville.
This fortunate outcome follows a streak of 31 consecutive drawings since the last winning Mega Millions ticket was claimed in New York on April 18th.
The probability of hitting the jackpot is estimated at one in 300 million.
The drawn numbers that resulted in the win were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33, along with the gold “mega ball” numbered 14.
The identity of the fortunate winner remains undisclosed. As per Florida law, winners who receive $250,000 or more are shielded from public disclosure for a period of 90 days from the date they claim the prize.
However, Florida Lottery is obligated to disclose the winner’s name, city of residence, and the amount won to any third party that requests this information. Street addresses and telephone numbers are kept confidential.
The total prize of $1.58 billion is accessible to winners who select an annuity payment plan, distributing the funds over a span of 30 years.
Those who opt for a single lump sum will receive approximately $783 million. Both options are subject to federal taxes and state taxes in numerous parts of the US.
This award is one of the most substantial in US history.
In November, a winning Powerball ticket sold in Altadena, near Los Angeles, bestowed a local resident with a record-breaking $2.04 billion jackpot.
Additionally, in January 2016, a $1.586 billion prize was divided among three winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee.
Mega Millions tickets, priced at $2 each, are obtainable in 45 US states, Washington DC, and the US Virgin Islands.
Reporter
