Winner of Mega Millions $348M jackpot claims Virginia's record prize, reveals plans for first purchase
Share this @internewscast.com

Grass green as money.

The recipient of the Mega Millions $348 million jackpot, the largest lottery prize ever secured in Virginia, came forward earlier this month and shared their plans for the winnings.

Choosing to remain anonymous, the ticket holder informed lottery officials of their intention to buy a new, zero-radius riding lawn mower — often priced at $3,000 or more — as part of their spending spree, as announced by Mega Millions on Aug. 14.


The $348 million jackpot-winning ticket was sold at the E & C VA convenience store in Burgess, Va., on June 27.
The $348 million jackpot-winning ticket was sold at the E & C VA convenience store in Burgess, Va., on June 27. Google St View

This Virginia resident claimed their prize at the state lottery’s Richmond office roughly four weeks after purchasing the ticket at E & C VA convenience store in Burgess, Va., on June 27.

Instead of opting for the full $348 million payout over 30 years, the winner decided on the one-time cash option of $155.6 million.

According to Virginia law, lottery winners can remain anonymous if their prize is valued at $1 million or more, unless they consent in writing to reveal their identity.

Eighteen states have laws to protect the privacy of jackpot winners; while some states have conditions based on the prize size, others, such as New Jersey, ensure winners’ names are not disclosed regardless of the amount.

The convenience store was awarded a $50,000 bonus from the lottery for selling the winning ticket.

Virginia has produced 10 Mega Millions winners since the game’s inception in 2002.

Retired truck driver JR Triplett previously held the state’s Mega Millions record when he won $239 million in 2004. Triplett opted for one lump sum, which was worth $140 million before taxes, according to WIS News 10.

The Mega Millions jackpot has not been won since the June 27 drawing and currently sits at $277 million.


The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, chose to take the one-time $155.6 million cash option instead of the $348 million prize.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, chose to take the one-time $155.6 million cash option instead of the $348 million prize. Getty Images

The lottery is ending its fourth month since increasing ticket prices from $2 to $5 following a game redesign, marketed as “bigger and better,” to create larger prizes for all non-jackpot tier winners, better odds to win the jackpot and a larger starting jackpot of $50 million instead of the original $20 million.

A Virginia lottery player scored $1 million from Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing after matching all five white balls.

The Powerball jackpot has surged to a year-high $950 million, the sixth-largest top prize in the games history.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shooting leaves 19-year-old injured on Westside, police say

19-Year-Old Injured in Westside Shooting Incident, Police Report

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of a suspect following…
North Pole Doc Gives Thumbs Up: Rudolph's Glow Gets Vet's Go

Vet Approves Rudolph’s Iconic Red Nose: North Pole Doctor Weighs In

Are your stockings neatly hung by the chimney? Have you set out…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Discover the Winning Numbers for Powerball’s December 24th Drawing

WASHINGTON — Hold onto your tickets: Could you be the next big…
'The holidays look different now': Emma Heming Willis reflects on changes amid Bruce Willis' dementia diagnosis

Emma Heming Willis Discusses How the Holidays Have Evolved Following Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis

Emma Heming Willis recently shared a heartfelt blog post aimed at those…
Isis Ogunti ID'd as woman killed in Chicago shooting, car crash on 103rd Street; family offering $12K reward for arrest

Tragic Chicago Incident: Isis Ogunti’s Family Offers $12K Reward for Justice in 103rd Street Shooting and Crash

A Chicago family is grappling with tragedy and seeking justice, as they…
Make-A-Wish brings back annual Holiday Wish Line messages

Make-A-Wish Reintroduces Annual Holiday Wish Line Messages

According to the Make-A-Wish CEO, their hotline serves as a “powerful antidote”…
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025

Experts Astonished by UFO Files, Drone Swarms, and Nuclear-Related Sightings in 2025

In 2025, the topic of UFOs captured widespread attention. A surge of…
Video shows Texas crooks rip ATM from 7-Eleven

Video Captures Daring ATM Heist at Texas 7-Eleven Store

It appears even Santa’s naughty list couldn’t keep up with these antics.…
Kerri Ann Abatti killed: California farmer Michael Abatti arrested on suspicion of murder in wife's death in Arizona

California Farmer Arrested in Arizona for Alleged Murder of Wife, Kerri Ann Abatti

A well-known farmer from California has been taken into custody on murder…
Raw oysters linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak that has sickened 64 people

Salmonella Outbreak in Multiple States Traced Back to Raw Oysters, Sickening 64

The recent salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has captured the attention…
Will Arnett reveals what inspired his new movie 'Is This Thing On?'

Will Arnett Unveils the Inspiration Behind His Latest Film ‘Is This Thing On?

Will Arnett, the star of “Is This Thing On?”, reveals the inspiration…
Woman shot dead in daughter’s Harlem apartment had been staying there since recent breakup

Tragic Incident: Woman Fatally Shot in Daughter’s Harlem Home Following Breakup

A woman, who had recently moved into her daughter’s Harlem apartment after…