Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says.

A single winning ticket for the staggering $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot was sold in California. This jackpot is one of the largest in Mega Millions history, capturing the nation's attention.

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The ticket was sold at a retailer in California, though the specific store has yet to be announced. Winning tickets from this state often generate a frenzy as locals speculate about who the lucky winner might be.

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The numbers for the draw were revealed as part of the announcement. If you participated in this draw and purchased a ticket in California, now is the time to double-check your numbers carefully.

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The winner can choose between the lump-sum cash option (expected to be around $600 million before taxes) or an annuity, which provides payments over 30 years. Financial experts recommend consulting advisors before making a decision.

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The retailer that sold the ticket will receive a sizable bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. This can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on state rules.

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The odds of winning this jackpot were an extraordinary 1 in 302.6 million, making this a rare and historic moment for the California winner.

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The winner will owe federal taxes on the prize, and California does not impose a state tax on lottery winnings, making this a more favorable location for the lucky individual.

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This $1.22 billion jackpot is one of the top ten largest lottery prizes in U.S. history. It follows other recent billion-dollar wins, reflecting the growing popularity of the Mega Millions lottery.

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