Current:Home > MyMan finds winning $1 million lottery ticket in stack of losing tickets in living room -Summit Capital Strategies
Man finds winning $1 million lottery ticket in stack of losing tickets in living room
View
Date:2025-04-13 14:31:21
A South Carolina man said he discovered he had won $1 million after looking through an old stash of lottery tickets.
According to a press release from the South Carolina Education Lottery, the Midlands resident purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket from a Food Lion in Columbia in mid-January.
The man didn't check to see if he won until more than a month later. It was on his living room table alongside several other tickets.
"I didn't believe it," the man told lottery officials.
The winning numbers were 2, 10, 42, 49, 54, and 13, which was the Megaball number.
"The ticket matched the first five numbers drawn, but missed the Megaball® number to win $1 million," officials noted.
More:'Dreams do come true': Man wins $837K lottery prize after sister dreams he'd find gold
What does the winner plan to do with the $1 million?
The man has decided to wait to blow his new fortune. He plans to save the winnings for when he and his wife retire. In the meantime, he said he will continue to play the lottery.
"I'll still play from time to time," he added.
However, according to the press release, his wife will not allow him to wait too long to check his tickets this time around.
The chance of winning $1 million in the Mega Millions game is 1 in 12,607,306.
The grocery store where he bought the ticket received $10,000.
A similar scenario happened to an Ohio man earlier this year. The man, identified as "Michael from Medina," said he found his winning $1 million Mega Millions ticket in an old stash, WKYC reported. He made the discovery in the nick of time—26 days before it expired.
“I couldn’t believe it, just one of those things you don’t think is real,” he said at the time.
How to play the Mega Millions
In order to buy a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.
If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.
Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
- 2X, five balls
- 3X, six balls
- 4X, three balls
- 5X, one ball
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
veryGood! (67236)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Aaron Hernandez ‘American Sports Story’ series wants to show a different view of the disgraced NFLer
- The price of gold keeps climbing to unprecedented heights. Here’s why
- East Bay native Marcus Semien broken-hearted to see the A's leaving the Oakland Coliseum
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- New Jersey hits pause on an offshore wind farm that can’t find turbine blades
- Coca-Cola Spiced pulled from shelves less than a year after drink's release
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to curb oil and gas pollution near neighborhoods
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Colorado man’s malicious prosecution lawsuit over charges in his wife’s death was dismissed
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- Baltimore City Is Investing in Wetlands Restoration For Climate Resiliency and Adaptation. Scientists Warn About Unintended Consequences
- Jury awards $2.78 million to nanny over hidden camera in bedroom
- DWTS' Artem Chigvintsev Breaks Silence on Domestic Violence Arrest and Nikki Garcia Divorce
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- X releases its first transparency report since Elon Musk’s takeover
- Hot Diggity Dog! Disney & Columbia Just Dropped the Cutest Fall Collab, With Styles for the Whole Family
- Hot Diggity Dog! Disney & Columbia Just Dropped the Cutest Fall Collab, With Styles for the Whole Family
Recommendation
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt returns to work after getting stent in blocked artery
Mandy Moore Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 3 With Taylor Goldsmith
Spotted: Katie Holmes With a $35 Tote & Rocking the Barn Jacket Trend (Plus Affordable Picks Under $100)
What to watch: O Jolie night
Wisconsin rock climber dies after fall inside Devils Tower National Monument
Caitlin Clark back in action: How to watch Fever vs. Sun Wednesday in Game 2
Vince McMahon sexual assault lawsuit: What is said about it in 'Mr. McMahon'?