Identity of $1.3B Mega Millions Winner Finally Revealed
The mystery surrounding last year’s $1.3 billion Mega Millions jackpot has ended, as California lottery officials confirmed Rosemary Casarotti as the winner.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Casarotti Claims $571 Million
Following her life-altering win, Casarotti opted to maintain her privacy and avoid the public spotlight. Casarotti won the record-setting jackpot by matching all six numbers in the December 27, 2024, drawing. She purchased the winning ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, a small community in Shasta County. While winners are normally revealed at press conferences, Casarotti declined to appear publicly.
California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker said that, in a private conversation, Casarotti expressed her gratitude and excitement. She also said that she is pleased that playing the lottery helps fund public education in the state.
Casarotti chose the lump sum payment option over the full amount paid in annual instalments, collecting a one-time cash payout of $571 million. As California doesn’t tax lottery winnings, she retained the majority of her prize. However, state regulations require winners’ names to be disclosed, so anonymity wasn’t an option.
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Education and Local Business Benefit from Record Jackpot
Beyond Casarotti’s personal windfall, the jackpot contributed to California’s education funding. The lottery announced that around $89.5 million from ticket sales during the jackpot surge will go to school programs across the state.
The Circle K, where the winning ticket was sold, also saw a reward. The family-run store received a $1 million bonus for its role in the historic win. Owner Ishar Gill was thrilled and also spoke about the positive impact on both the business and the local community.
Though Casarotti’s win ranks among the largest in Mega Millions history, it still trails the $1.6 billion jackpot awarded in August 2023. However, with odds of 1 in 302.6 million, her win is still remarkable. The next Mega Millions jackpot is estimated to be $324 million and the draw will take place on Friday evening.
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