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
California ‘basic income’ experiment fails to provide ‘financial independence,’ study finds

California’s Basic Income Trial Falls Short on Promised Financial Independence, Study Reveals

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, reveals…
Trump Extends Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire 3 Weeks After Landmark White House Talks

Trump Prolongs Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Following Pivotal White House Discussions Three Weeks Ago

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire between…
Oklahoma tornado barrels through Enid, damaging homes and shutting down roads

Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma: Homes Damaged and Roads Closed

On Thursday, a devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, ripping the roofs off…
Spencer Pratt accuses Karen Bass’s crew of getting MAGA merch at White House

Spencer Pratt Alleges Karen Bass’s Team Acquired MAGA Merchandise at the White House

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently returned from Washington, D.C., with more…
Decades-old cold case breakthrough leads to arrest in execution-style killings of married couple before child

Cold Case Cracked: Arrest Made in Chilling Execution-Style Murder of Couple in Front of Child

A breakthrough has been achieved in a decades-old cold case as a…
Hiker stumbles on human skull in iconic desert as mystery grows and detectives open homicide probe

Human Skull Discovery in Iconic Desert Sparks Homicide Investigation: Mystery Deepens as Detectives Probe

A chilling find in the isolated deserts of Southern California has initiated…
Sex offender accused of 6 sex assaults in one day as crime surge rocks affluent valley

Valley Community on Edge as One Day Sees Six Alleged Assaults by Registered Offender

A registered sex offender is facing accusations of committing a series of…
Long Island PTA mom accused of stealing $50K from elementary school while she served as NYPD officer

Long Island PTA Mom and NYPD Officer Charged with Embezzling $50K from Elementary School Funds

On Wednesday, authorities reported the arrest of a PTA mom from Long…
Rob and Michele Singer Reiner deaths: Son Jake speaks out about deaths of his parents for first time

Jake Reiner Breaks Silence on the Heartbreaking Loss of Parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner

LOS ANGELES — Jake Reiner, the eldest child of acclaimed filmmaker Rob…
Chicago crime: Police release video of suspects in deadly Little Village shooting at 26th Street, St. Louis Avenue

Chicago Police Share Video of Suspects in Fatal Little Village Shooting on 26th & St. Louis

In a bid to advance their investigation into a tragic shooting, the…
17 charged across New England after massive coordinated street takeover wreaks havoc in suburban Boston town

17 Arrested in New England After Major Street Takeover Disrupts Boston Suburb

Authorities in Massachusetts have apprehended 17 individuals from New England in connection…
Elite school teacher known as 'Mr Wonderful' accused of heinous crimes against students

Esteemed Educator ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Faces Serious Allegations of Crimes Against Students

A former educator at a private institution, once known by the moniker…