The Illinois Lottery announced that the US$1.337 billion (approximately CAD$1.7 billion) Mega Millions jackpot was claimed by two people with a single winning ticket. The two had agreed to split the prize if they won. His record purse had swelled to that amount because it took 29 consecutive draws to match a single ticket to the game’s six selected numbers. The winning ticket was finally found in the July 29 draw. Winning numbers were: 13-36-45-57-67, Mega Ball: 14.

		Read more: Yes, Canadians can enter the $1.1 billion Mega Millions lottery.  Here’s how 		
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			Yes, Canadians can participate in the $1.1 billion Mega Millions lottery.  Here’s how

Mega Millions winners can choose to receive the entire amount, paid annually for 29 years, but most choose the cash option that pays out immediately. Lottery officials confirmed that the two winners opted for the lump sum payment, which, for that prize amount, totaled about $780.5 million. Story continues below ad If split equally, each winner would get about $390.3 million. The Illinois Lottery said it was unable to share any information about the winners other than to say they must be absolutely “over the moon” with the Mega Millions jackpot. Not every state allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, but Illinois does. Trending Stories

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The winning ticket was purchased in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines after it was purchased in late July at a Speedway gas station and convenience store. The lottery said the two individuals have spent the past few weeks working with professional legal and financial advisors to support the claim process. “These winners are now in the enviable position of deciding what to do with their newfound fortune,” said Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays.

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Mega Millions winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their jackpot and must decide within 60 days whether they want the money in a lump sum or in annual payments. The holder or holders of the winning ticket are not the only ones who benefit from Mega Millions. the location where the winning ticket is purchased also receives a $500,000 bonus. Story continues below ad Overall, Illinois retailers who sold lottery tickets generated a total of $3.75 million in commissions and bonuses. At the peak of the Mega Millions ticket buying frenzy in July, Illinois retailers were selling 79 tickets per second, according to the Illinois Lottery. 1:03 Winner has yet to show up to claim $1.3 billion Mega Millions jackpot: official Previous Video Next Video © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.