Multiple Illinois lottery players were “blessed” enough to walk away with a lump sum after winning the Mega Millions jackpot in March.
The anonymous winners claimed the $349 million Mega Millions jackpot on April 30, about a month after the drawing took place, state lottery officials said in a news release.
The individuals weren’t the only to benefit from the cash. Casey’s General Store in Cortland, a city over 700 miles west of Chicago, received a $500,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
“We took a chance and bought a single Quick Pick ticket,” the individuals told state lottery officials. “We’re absolutely ecstatic and feel incredibly blessed. We plan to use this money to do good – this unbelievable prize will truly be the gift that keeps on giving.”
The “historic” win also marked the fourth time an Illinois lottery player has won a Mega Millions jackpot in nearly four years. The next Mega Millions drawing, which has an estimated jackpot of $80 million, will take place on May 2.
USA TODAY reached out to Illinois lottery officials on April 30 for additional details about the winners.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing? And how do I play?
The next drawing, where the winning numbers for the $80 million jackpot will be determined, is Friday, May 2 at 11 p.m. ET.
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Tickets are available up to 15 minutes before the drawing takes place.
Five of the numbers will come from white balls whose numbers range between 1 to 70 and the last number will come from the gold Mega Ball whose numbers range between 1 and 25. Players may also select the “Easy Pick” or “Quick Pick” options, which will have the computer randomly generate six-number sequence.
The “Megaplier,” a $1 add-on feature, that can increase non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. Before each regular Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier is drawn. From a pool of 15 balls, six are marked with “3X,” five are marked with “2X,” three with “4X” and one with “5X.”
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Where can I 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, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, 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). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: $349 Mega Millions jackpot claimed by ‘blessed’ Illinois players
