Single Mega Millions winner claims $1.83 billion jackpot

The third largest jackpot in US history has been won by a single person who bought their ticket in Illinois.

A single winner who purchased their ticket in Illinois won a jaw-dropping $1.83 billion (AUD) Mega Millions jackpot prize on Saturday — the third largest in US history.

The big victory comes after ticket sales skyrocketed in recent days following more than three months without anyone winning the top prize.

The winner – whose lucky numbers were 67, 45, 57, 36, 13 and a Mega Ball of 14 – has potentially secured the second largest lottery payout ever.

In America, winners have the option of having their prize paid out annually over 30 years or taking one cash payment, which for this winner would amount to $1.07 billion.

America’s record jackpot – a $2.27 billion Powerball haul in 2016 – was split between three people.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: A man holds Mega Millions lottery tickets on July 29, 2022 in New York City. The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to an estimated $1.28 billion and would be the second-largest in the game's 20 year history. (Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)

The second largest – a $2.2 billion Mega Millions’ jackpot in 2018 – was won by a South Carolina player who took a cash payment of $1.26 billion.

Australia’s record Powerball jackpot was $150 million but shared by three people in 2019. The largest single winner was earlier that year when a Sydney nurse won $110 million.

The lucky ticket holder picked up the prize-winning numbers in Des Plaines, Illinois.

The identity of the person with the winning ticket has not been revealed.

But the Speedway gas station in Des Plaines where the purchase was made is located just on the northern perimeter of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, meaning the victorious gambler could have been a traveller.

“We are thrilled to have witnessed one of the biggest jackpot wins in Mega Millions history,” said Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald.

Friday’s lotto draw found a winning ticket for the Mega Millions prize after 29 draws in a row without a jackpot ticket.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: A man rides a bike past advertisements for the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery on July 29, 2022 in New York City. The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to an estimated $1.28 billion and would be the second-largest in the game's 20 year history. (Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)

The last time someone held the winning numbers was April 15.

Lotto players had a 1 in 302.5 million chance of clinching the jackpot victory, according to the Associated Press.

The $1.83 billion prize amounts to more than the net worth of reality star and business mogul Kylie Jenner.

People can try their luck with the Mega Millions lotto in 45 states where the game is played.

Mega Millions tickets are also available in Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands.

— with The Sun