Mega Millions Jackpot Winner – Unclaimed $1.13B Prize Key Facts

A single ticket sold in New Jersey matched all six numbers in the March 26, 2024, Mega Millions drawing, securing a $1.13 billion jackpot—the fifth-largest in the game’s history. As of September 2024, the prize remains unclaimed, sparking widespread public interest in the winner’s identity, the claim process, and what happens next.

The winning ticket was purchased at ShopRite Liquor #781 in Neptune Township, Monmouth County. The ticket matched the numbers 07, 11, 22, 29, and 38, with a Gold Mega Ball of 04. Despite the enormous prize, the winner has until March 26, 2025, to file a claim in accordance with New Jersey state law. Lottery officials continue to encourage anyone who purchased a ticket for that drawing to verify their numbers.

This case highlights a growing tension in American lottery culture: the desire for a massive windfall versus the legal and personal consequences of coming forward. Rules governing winner privacy, tax withholding, and payout options differ significantly depending on where a ticket was bought, making the claiming process more complex than many expect.

Who Won the Latest Mega Millions Jackpot and Where Was the Ticket Sold?

Key Facts at a Glance

• The annuity value of the jackpot is approximately $1.13 billion, paid over 30 years.
• The cash value—the lump-sum option—stands at roughly $537.5 million before taxes.
• The winning numbers were 07, 11, 22, 29, 38 with a Gold Mega Ball of 04.
• The ticket was purchased at ShopRite Liquor #781 in Neptune Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
• New Jersey law permits winners to remain anonymous indefinitely under a 2020 statute.
• The claim deadline falls on March 26, 2025—exactly one year from the draw date.
• Lottery officials urge winners to seek professional legal and financial counsel before filing a claim.

Snapshot of Known Details

What Are the Winning Numbers and Jackpot Amount?

The March 26, 2024, Mega Millions drawing produced the following winning combination: the white balls numbered 07, 11, 22, 29, and 38 were drawn, accompanied by the Gold Mega Ball 04 and a Megaplier of 02. The draw marked the culmination of a long rollover streak that had pushed the jackpot to its billion-dollar level over several months of biweekly drawings.

The advertised annuity value of the prize is $1.13 billion, representing the total amount the winner would receive if they opt for the 30-payment annuity plan. Those who choose the lump-sum cash option receive approximately $537.5 million in a single upfront payment—though this figure serves as the pre-tax cash value before federal and state withholdings are applied.

How Mega Millions Jackpots Grow

Mega Millions jackpots start at a minimum of $20 million (annuity value) and increase every drawing when no ticket matches all six numbers. Each drawing without a winner causes the jackpot to roll over, with the new prize level determined by ticket sales and interest projections. The annuity structure means the lottery commissions purchase US Treasury bonds to fund future payments, while the cash value reflects the present-day cost of funding those same payments.

How Do You Claim a Mega Millions Jackpot and Can Winners Stay Anonymous?

The claiming process for a Mega Millions jackpot prize begins by contacting the state lottery in the jurisdiction where the ticket was purchased. For smaller prizes starting at $600, this typically involves presenting the winning ticket at a licensed retailer or a regional lottery office. For jackpots of this magnitude, the process escalates significantly and usually requires an in-person visit to a state lottery headquarters.

Steps to Claim a Major Prize

• Sign the back of the ticket immediately to establish ownership.
• Contact your state lottery commission to schedule an appointment and learn jurisdiction-specific requirements.
• Present valid government-issued identification along with the physical ticket.
• For jackpots, file the claim at a state lottery regional or central office rather than a retail location.
• If privacy is a concern, consult a licensed attorney about establishing a blind trust before filing the claim.
• Expect payment processing to take approximately 30 days after the claim is formally filed.

Privacy Rules Vary by State

Anonymity is not a universal protection for lottery winners in the United States. The legal framework depends entirely on the state where the ticket was purchased, and that jurisdiction’s laws remain binding regardless of where the winner resides. Some states require winners’ names, photographs, and city of residence to be released publicly, while others offer mechanisms to shield identity.

New Jersey enacted specific anonymity protections in 2020, allowing lottery winners to remain anonymous indefinitely. Under this law, winning ticket holders do not appear in public records, and their identities are not disclosed by lottery officials. However, winners must still provide their personal information to lottery staff for internal verification and tax reporting purposes. The New Jersey Lottery retains the right to share winner information with other state agencies for purposes including the collection of unpaid obligations such as child support, student loan arrearages, and overdue taxes.

Ohio takes a different approach. While Ohio does not explicitly prohibit disclosure of winner identities, the state permits winners to establish a blind trust to claim prizes anonymously. The trust acts as the official claimant, allowing the individual who created it to retain control of the funds while keeping their name out of public records. The controlling law for any ticket, however, is the law of the state where the ticket was purchased—not the state where the winner lives.

Lump Sum vs. Annuity and Taxes on Winnings

Mega Millions offers two primary payout structures for jackpot winners. The annuity option delivers one immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments, with each successive payment increasing by 5 percent. This graduated structure means winners receive a larger payment each year, providing inflation-adjusted income over three decades. The total of all annuity payments equals the advertised jackpot amount.

The lump-sum (cash option) provides the present cash value of the jackpot in a single payment. For the March 26, 2024, prize, that amount is approximately $537.5 million before taxes. Financial experts generally recommend this option for winners who have significant investment experience and have carefully calculated the tax implications of their specific situation and state of residence.

Tax Withholding at a Glance

Federal law mandates that the Internal Revenue Service withhold 24 percent of lottery prizes exceeding $5,000. This withholding is applied automatically by the state lottery before payment is issued. State taxes vary considerably: Ohio, for example, withholds an additional 4 percent for prizes of $600 or more, while other states may withhold nothing or impose higher rates. Winners should consult a tax professional to estimate their actual liability, as the withheld amounts may not fully cover the total tax owed at year-end filing.

Factors That Influence the Payout Decision

• The winner’s overall financial knowledge and investment experience.
• Anticipated future tax rates under current law and potential legislative changes.
• The winner’s age and expected lifespan in relation to the 30-year annuity payout schedule.
• Personal cash flow needs and existing financial obligations.
• Estate planning considerations and long-term wealth transfer goals.
• The state of residence and applicable state income tax rates.

Timeline for Claiming and History of Major Jackpots

Every lottery prize has a finite claim window, and missing that deadline means forfeiting the winnings permanently. The March 26, 2024, ticket holder has until March 26, 2025, to come forward. New Jersey grants lottery winners one year from the draw date to file a claim, which is longer than some other states—Ohio, for instance, allows only 180 days.

Major Events in the Claiming Timeline

1. March 26, 2024: The Mega Millions drawing takes place. The winning numbers are confirmed and publicly announced.
2. Immediately following the draw: The New Jersey Lottery verifies ticket sales data and confirms the location of the winning purchase.
3. Public announcement: Officials notify the public that an unclaimed winning ticket was sold in Neptune Township, encouraging the holder to come forward.
4. Winner files claim: The ticket holder presents the ticket, provides identification, and submits the claim to the New Jersey Lottery regional office.
5. Payment issued: After processing and verification—typically around 30 days from filing—the lottery disburses funds according to the chosen payout method.

Mega Millions has produced several record-breaking jackpots in recent years. The current prize ranks among the top five largest in the game’s history, alongside jackpots that have exceeded $1.5 billion. The growing frequency of nine-figure prizes reflects both increased ticket sales during rollover cycles and the expansion of ticket prices in some jurisdictions. Lottery officials note that each long rollover streak generates heightened media coverage, which in turn drives additional ticket purchases—a cycle that has consistently pushed jackpots to historic levels.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Background and Context

Mega Millions operates in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it one of the most widely available lottery games in the country. Players select five numbers from a pool of 1 through 70, plus one Mega Ball from a separate pool of 1 through 24. Nine distinct prize tiers exist, ranging from a $2 match-two prize to the jackpot, which requires matching all six numbers. The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 24, though the odds of hitting the jackpot remain 1 in more than 302 million.

The expansion of lottery jackpots to billion-dollar territory reflects decades of structural changes to the game, including price increases and modifications to number pools. These adjustments were designed to generate more revenue for participating states’ education and public service programs, and critics have noted that the games disproportionately attract lower-income players who spend a larger share of their income on tickets. Defenders of the lottery system point to the transparency of revenue distribution and the voluntary nature of participation.

The unclaimed New Jersey ticket underscores the financial stakes of delayed claiming. If the prize expires in March 2025 without a valid claim, the unclaimed funds are returned to the state lottery’s prize pool and redistributed for future drawings or allocated to educational programs, depending on state law.

Official Guidance and Expert Recommendations

“We strongly encourage any individual who believes they hold a winning ticket to safeguard it and contact the New Jersey Lottery as soon as possible.”

— Mega Millions Lottery Officials, Official Announcement

“Before claiming any major lottery prize, winners should assemble a team of qualified professionals—including an attorney, a certified public accountant, and a financial advisor—who can provide guidance on taxes, estate planning, and long-term wealth management.”

— Lottery Officials’ Advisory, Mega Millions Official Site

Summary and Next Steps

The $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot from March 26, 2024, remains one of the most significant unclaimed lottery prizes in recent US history. With the winning ticket located at a ShopRite Liquor store in Neptune Township, New Jersey, and the claim deadline set for March 26, 2025, the coming months will determine whether this windfall finds its rightful owner. The winner—if and when they come forward—will face a series of consequential decisions involving payout structures, tax obligations, and privacy protections, all shaped by New Jersey’s anonymity laws and federal withholding requirements. Those with smaller non-jackpot tickets are encouraged to verify their numbers promptly, as each jurisdiction imposes its own claim deadlines that may differ from those governing this particular drawing. For live sports updates and other local coverage, check out our NFL Games on TV Today page.

Frequently Asked Questions