Illinois Online Lottery Player Wins $560 Million, Immediately Googles 'How to Hide from Relatives'
In an extraordinary stroke of luck, an online ticket buyer in Illinois has scored the Mega Millions jackpot, reported by some sources as $552 million (CNN) and others, notably $560 million (USA Today). Regardless of whether they're $8 million richer or not, the newly minted millionaire's biggest worry now is likely an influx of sudden “family reunions.”
The Winning Ticket and Mysterious Winner
The magical numbers for this life-changing draw were 19, 37, 40, 63, 69, with the gold Mega Ball being 17 (CNN, USA Today). Yet, the winner has yet to come forward to claim the prize (CNN). Perhaps they are strategizing the most effective ways to stay incognito, or maybe they're already feeling the pressure from third cousins thrice removed.
Cash or Annuity? A Million-Dollar (or $8 Million) Question
Our fortunate friend has the enviable decision of choosing between the lump sum cash option of $260 million (CNN) or $264 million cash option (USA Today). Even with this $4 million discrepancy, the player can still afford a modest island or a lifetime supply of video streaming subscriptions.
A Winning State
This jackpot marks the 15th time an Illinois player has hit the Mega Millions jackpot (USA Today). Illinois was the pioneering state for online lottery ticket sales since 2012 (CNN), and this win further fuels its lucky legacy. About 25% of the tickets for this particular draw were bought online in Illinois (CNN). Given the positive outcomes, maybe it's time the rest of us updated our digital wallets instead of stockpiling traditional paper tickets.
Smaller Wins with Potentially Smaller Cousins Chasing
Not to be overlooked, there were over 900,000 other winning tickets sold for this Tuesday’s drawing (USA Today). Two tickets matched five numbers, yielding $1 million for a Maryland player and $285,828 for another winner in California (USA Today). While those sums are nothing to scoff at, they're fine compared to a $560 million bounty — or is it $552 million?
The Jackpot Reset
Following this massive win, the Mega Millions jackpot will reset to the modest amount of $20 million for the drawing on Friday, June 7 (USA Today). Listed at $2 per ticket (or $3 with the Megaplier option), this entry fee buys you a chance in the multi-state lottery spanning 45 states, Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands (CNN, USA Today).
The Post-Win Predicament
Winning such a colossal prize isn't just about rolling in dough; there's the intricate task of avoiding opportunistic relatives. The Illinois winner's immediate concerns likely include queries like, "Can you change your identity after a lottery win?" or "How to build a moat around my house?"
Strategic maneuvers will involve more than just celebrating; our winner must navigate the newly-found paradox of wealth: endless financial opportunities juxtaposed with relentless familial appeals for monetary aid. Consultation with a financial advisor and possibly a witness protection expert seems entirely appropriate.
In the universe where lottery dreams turn into reality, the greatest fortune might just be the ability to stay anonymous. While the jackpot resets, the rest of us can only dream of that perfect combination of numbers — and, just maybe, stock up on fake mustaches and dark sunglasses.
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