One lucky person could become $3 million richer, but they don't know it yet.
The winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased by an anonymous person from a convenience store in Connecticut.
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The lucky player from Southington scored a big goal in the November 8, 2024 draw.
The lucky numbers on draw night were 25, 28, 42, 64, 69 – with Mega Ball No. 19 and Megaplier No. 3.
The winning lottery ticket was purchased at the Cumberland Farms store located at 1978 West Street, Southington.
Connecticut Lottery rules state that Mega Millions players have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their money, giving the anonymous winners until May 7, 2025.
The owner of the winning ticket must claim his or her prize in person at CT Lottery headquarters.
CT Lottery headquarters will accept claims between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Winners must provide two valid forms of signed identification, one of which must be a photo ID.
Acceptable forms of identification are:
• Current state-issued driver’s license with photo (please note: A “Driver Only” (DO) license may not be used as ID).
• Social Security card
• Passport
• Credit/debit card with signature
• Business ID with photo and name
• Government-issued or state-issued photo ID
• University student ID
• Permits issued by the state
• Military ID
• Permanent residence card
• Aliens registration card
Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Five white balls are drawn from the pool of balls numbered 1 to 70; One Golden Mega Ball is drawn from the pool of balls numbered 1 to 25.
If no one wins the jackpot, the money is added to the jackpot for the next drawing. The total chance of winning the prize is 1 in 24.
Grab cash
A lucky lottery player from Missouri could be $1 million richer.
The anonymous player purchased his winning ticket for October 25 at the Alta Convenience store in suburban St. Louis.
The winning numbers in that game were 23, 26, 35, 41, 43, and Mega Ball 07.
Missouri Lottery rules state that Mega Millions players have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their money, giving the anonymous winners until April 23, 2025.
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and financial limits before playing
- Only gamble with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- He does not gamble if he is upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with problem gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?
Players who win large sums of money on lottery tickets usually have a choice: lump sum or annuity?
Both payment methods can affect the amount of money you get from your prize.
Annuities are paid out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums are paid all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld all at once. This means that 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam immediately. Many states tax gains as well.
Pensions can buy winners time to build the financial infrastructure needed to receive a life-changing sum of money, but lump sums have the advantage of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth taking into consideration when making a decision, as payments do not adjust to the value of the dollar. This means you'll likely have less money back at the end of the annuity.
Each state and game pays prizes differently, so it's best to check your state's lottery to confirm payout policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether you should take a lump sum or take an annuity.
