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California Woman Wins $1.22 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot!

3/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rosemary Casarotti claimed California's largest Mega Millions jackpot of $1.22 billion, purchased on December 27, 2024.
She selected a lump sum of around $571 million before taxes.
The Circle K store received a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The jackpot contributed $89.5 million to California's public education.
Casarotti expressed gratitude via lottery officials, opting not to attend the announcement.

History

Historical Context

The recent $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot reflects a trend in escalating lottery prizes, which began in the 1980s. As ticket prices rose and more states joined, jackpots soared, paralleling the 2016 Powerball record of $1.586 billion, highlighting increasing public interest in lottery games.

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Story summary

Rosemary Casarotti claimed California's largest Mega Millions jackpot of $1.22 billion, purchased on December 27, 2024.
She selected a lump sum of around $571 million before taxes.
The Circle K store received a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The jackpot contributed $89.5 million to California's public education.
Casarotti expressed gratitude via lottery officials, opting not to attend the announcement.

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