Two Ohio Winners Share Historic $1.22 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot
Two Ohio lottery players are about to split a life-changing $1.22 billion—the first time in state history that multiple jackpot winners have claimed the same…
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Two Ohio residents will share the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot after both purchased winning tickets for Friday night’s drawing, lottery officials announced Saturday.
The winning tickets were sold at separate locations across the state, marking the first time Ohio has had multiple jackpot winners for the same drawing in the lottery’s history. Officials from the Ohio Lottery Commission confirmed both tickets matched all six numbers: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega Ball 6.
Each winner will receive approximately $610 million before taxes, assuming they choose the lump sum payment option. The annuity option would provide annual payments over 30 years totaling the full jackpot amount per winner.
Ticket Sales Locations Revealed
One winning ticket was purchased at a Speedway gas station in suburban Columbus, while the second was bought at a Kroger supermarket in Cleveland, according to lottery officials. Both retailers will receive $50,000 bonuses for selling winning tickets.
“We’re thrilled that Ohio has not one, but two jackpot winners,” said Pat McDonald, Ohio Lottery Director, during a press conference Saturday afternoon. “This is unprecedented in our state’s lottery history.”
The identities of the winners remain unknown as neither has come forward to claim their prize. Ohio law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, and officials said they expect the process of claiming such large prizes to take several days or weeks.
Record-Breaking Drawing Details
Friday’s $1.22 billion jackpot represents the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history and the largest prize ever won in Ohio. The jackpot had been rolling over since October, when the last winning ticket was sold in Texas.
Lottery officials reported overwhelming ticket sales leading up to the drawing, with Ohio residents purchasing more than 15 million tickets for Friday’s game alone. Statewide sales generated approximately $30 million in revenue for Ohio’s education programs.
“The excitement across Ohio has been incredible,” McDonald said. “Our retailers reported long lines and constant activity throughout the week.”
What Happens Next
The winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prizes at Ohio Lottery headquarters in Cleveland. Financial advisors recommend winners consult with tax professionals and legal counsel before claiming large lottery prizes.
If the lump sum option is selected, each winner would receive approximately $366 million after federal taxes are withheld. Additional state taxes may apply depending on the winners’ residency status and tax situations.
The Ohio Lottery Commission established a dedicated hotline for the winners and increased security measures at claim centers in anticipation of the prize redemptions. Officials emphasized that winners should sign their tickets immediately and store them in secure locations.
Meanwhile, lottery fever continues across Ohio as Wednesday’s Powerball drawing approaches with an estimated jackpot of $180 million. Sales for that drawing began immediately following Friday’s Mega Millions results.
Sources: FOX 8 Cleveland
