The $393m Mega Millions Jackpot Win that so Nearly Never Happened

The $393m Mega Millions Jackpot Win that so Nearly Never Happened

Lottery24 - $393m Mega Millions jackpot won in IllinoisA single ticket sold in Palos Heights, Illinois, USA, has won the $393m Mega Millions jackpot in the August 11 draw. It’s a win that very nearly didn’t happen after the state suspended the selling of Mega Millions and Powerball tickets earlier this year.There had been 34 straight Mega Millions draws that had produced rollovers before the jackpot was finally won on Friday. The last jackpot win had been in the April 28 draw and the $393m top prize in Friday’s draw was the fifth largest in the history of the lottery. The largest ever win was the $656m Mega Millions jackpot won five years ago. There could be even larger jackpots in the future after changes to the Mega Millions lottery took place in October.The winning numbers in Friday’s draw were 23-33-53-56-58 and the Mega Ball 06. Not quite a selection that would suit players who use birthdays as their numbers. That’s how David Trapp from California, USA, won a $61m Mega Millions jackpot.Whoever the lucky winner is, they now have a big decision to make. They can receive their Mega Millions win as a one-off payment of $247.3m with an estimated $73m tax to be paid on that. Alternatively, they can take their win as an annuity in 30 payments over 29 years.It’s the latest big win in Illinois. Two years ago, Jesus Davila won a $270m Mega Millions jackpot. Also celebrating were a group of co-workers who won a $1m Mega Millions prize.This Mega Millions jackpot win so nearly didn’t happen. Earlier this year, Illinois decided to suspend sales of Mega Millions and Powerball tickets causing many players to have to go across the border to Wisconsin to buy their tickets, with some stores in that state reporting a thirty percent increase in sales.The problems started when two bills authorizing the payment of lottery wins over $25,000 became stuck in committee. Mega Millions is a multi-state game but requires participating states need to have budgets and the ability to pay their share of any large wins.The suspension lasted just over a week, costing the state around $4m in sales. Finally, a solution was found and ticket sales resumed. Little did they know that just a month later, Nick's Barbecue in Palos Heights would sell a $393m Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket.Lady Luck could be smiling at you anytime, so get ready and purchase your tickets online at Lottery24.com.