The historic prize of the third largest jackpot in US lotto history was claimed by the winners after almost eight weeks.
Illinois Lottery officials announced Wednesday that the anonymous pair, who came forward nearly two months after winning, hit the $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot with a single ticket purchased in late July in a Chicago suburb.
It has been reported that the winners have agreed to divide the prize among themselves if they win. This would result in each new multi-millionaire receiving over $668 million.
Illinois Lottery offers big winners option to remain anonymous
Illinois, similar to other states, allows winners of large lottery prizes to keep their identities private. This option helps to prevent potential issues that can come with publicizing a significant win. In Illinois, winners of $250,000 or more can opt to remain anonymous.
In this instance, the winners have opted to remain anonymous. As a result, Illinois Lottery is unable to disclose any information about the lucky individuals. Nevertheless, the lottery officials believe that the winners are thrilled beyond measure with their incredible victory.
Luis Rodriguez, the claims manager for the Illinois Lottery, provided ongoing support to the winners and their legal representatives during the prize claim process.
Rodriguez shared, “In my five years at the Illinois Lottery, this is the biggest prize I’ve had to handle. The meeting with the winners’ lawyers was filled with excitement.”
The feeling of giving away such a significant amount of money is surreal, knowing the immense impact it will have on the winners’ lives and those around them. Being a part of this process was incredibly rewarding, and I can only imagine the overwhelming emotions the winners must be experiencing.
Winners choose to receive $780 million lump sum payout
Illinois Lottery director Harold Mays stated that the winners now have the fortunate opportunity to decide how to use their newfound wealth.
Stopping into the Speedway in Des Plaines to purchase a Mega Millions ticket proved to be a life-changing decision for them. A $3 line of Mega Millions with Megaplier resulted in a staggering $1.34 billion jackpot win.
Lottery Director Harold Mays and Lottery Claims Supervisor, Denise Hernandez with the winning check Photo: Illinois Lottery
In recent weeks, the winners collaborated with legal and financial experts and ultimately opted for the lump sum payment of $780.5 million. This equates to $390,250,000 per winner, prior to deductions.
Lotto ticket sales benefit Illinois residents and retailers too
The Mega Millions jackpot began to grow on April 16, culminating in the win on July 29.
Not only did jackpot winners emerge victorious, but the State of Illinois also came out on top. The Illinois Lottery raised $34 million for the Common School Fund through ticket sales during the jackpot’s accumulation.
Illinois retailers received $3.75 million in commission and bonuses for selling winning tickets, totaling $11.8 million in prizes from over 1.4 million winning tickets purchased in the state. This amount does not include the jackpot, but does include four $1 million prizes won locally.
Illinois residents have increased opportunities to win life-changing jackpots this week.
The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday, September 21st, is a staggering $251 million.
The next Mega Millions draw on Friday (Sept. 23) will have a jackpot of $301 million.
