News writer
California just made lottery history! One lucky Mega Millions ticket matched all six numbers in the massive $1.27 billion jackpot — the biggest ever won in the state.
While the winner is skipping the spotlight, lottery officials have revealed her name, and just how much she's taking home. Plus, the jackpot run brought big wins for public schools and local retailers.
The record jackpot winner was announced
It was the biggest Mega Millions jackpot won in California Lottery history, and now lottery officials have announced the name of the lucky winner. Rosemary Casarotti, who bought the ticket at the Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K located in Cottonwood, was the only person in the entire country to match all six of the winning numbers drawn for the December 27, 2024, Mega Millions drawing.
That jackpot reached $1.27 billion, and with her win, she became the biggest Mega Millions jackpot winner from California. Despite lottery officials holding a press conference on Monday to announce her as the winner, Casarotti declined to participate. She told lottery officials that she wanted to remain as private as possible after the big win.
During the press conference, California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker explained:
I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools.
Casarotti chose to receive her winnings as a lump sum payment, taking home more than $571 million after federal taxes.
The jackpot run paid off for California
Besides Casarotti's big win during that December 27, 2024, draw, the state of California had 842,841 other winning tickets that were sold. That included two Match 5 wins of more than $787,000 after the lucky players matched all five of the winning white ball numbers drawn, but missed out on matching the Mega Ball.
During this jackpot run that ended with Casarotti's win, lottery retailers sold over 4.6 million winning tickets in California. Those winning tickets had a prize value of $27 million in addition to the $1.27 billion win.
Public schools also won big time during this jackpot run. California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima announced during the press conference that this historic jackpot run raised an estimated $89.5 million for public schools.
For over 25 years, the California Lottery has given in excess of $1 billion annually to public schools in the state. This money goes to support a diverse set of programs, including performing arts and dance programs to sports and technical training programs. Becker stated:
The California Lottery provides extra money for materials and programs that make student's dreams and futures a reality in so many ways. The mission of the California Lottery is truly the driving force behind the work we all do as an organization.
Lottery retailers also win big
This historic jackpot run and win for California definitely shared the love with everyone. Besides the big winners and the public schools mentioned above, lottery retailers found some success during this Mega Millions jackpot run.
For selling the jackpot-winning ticket, the Circle K received the maximum retail bonus of $1 million from the California Lottery. During the jackpot run, over 23,000 lottery retailers in the state earned an estimated $14.1 million in incentives and bonuses.
Ishar Gill, owner of the Circle K, said at the press conference:
It's an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history. Our customers are the heart of our business, and we're grateful to be a part of such an amazing community.
Enjoy playing the California Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
Comments