Mega Millions player just misses $306 million jackpot — but still wins big in Florida
A Mega Millions player just missed a massive jackpot prize — but is still in for a big windfall in Florida.
The person scored $1 million after buying a ticket that matched all but one number in the May 7 drawing. The player chose the Quick Pick option, meaning a lottery machine selected at least some of the numbers on the ticket, according to the Florida Lottery and Mega Millions websites.
The winning numbers: white balls 26-28-36-63-66, with gold Mega Ball 15.
So, where did the lucky ticket come from? It was sold at the 7-Eleven at 24651 South Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs, the Florida Lottery wrote in a news release.
The player’s lucky ticket matched all five white balls, similar to tickets sold in Arizona and California. Each was one number from winning the drawing’s estimated jackpot prize of $306 million.
In the Sunshine State, the Florida Lottery didn’t immediately tell McClatchy News whether anyone had come forward to claim the $1 million prize. The state gives winners about six months to cash in, according to drawing game rules.
Bonita Springs is in southwest Florida, roughly a 25-mile drive south from Fort Myers.
What to know about Mega Millions
To score a jackpot in the Mega Millions, a player must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball.
The odds of scoring a jackpot prize are 1 in 302,575,350.
Tickets cost $2 and can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times vary by state.
Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET and can be streamed online.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
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