Mega Millions Winner Claims $344M Jackpot in Small-Town Cortland, Illinois

By Marcus Bennett

April 24, 2025 at 03:58 PM

A lucky ticket holder in Cortland, Illinois (population 4,300) won the $344 million Mega Millions jackpot from the March 25 drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at Casey's General Store and matched all six numbers: 1, 5, 17, 39, 62, and Mega Ball 8. The winner can choose a cash option of $159.1 million.

The winner's identity remains unknown, as no one has come forward to claim the prize yet. Winners have up to one year to claim their winnings, and lottery officials recommend signing the ticket and consulting with legal and financial advisors before coming forward.

This win is particularly remarkable given the astronomical odds of 1 in 302,575,350 for hitting the Mega Millions jackpot. The next drawing will start at $20 million, with a cash option of $9.2 million.

While Illinois celebrated the grand prize winner, Ohio also saw numerous smaller winners:

  • 2 people won $1,000
  • 10 people won $500
  • 519 people won $20
  • Over 8,600 people won $2

Casey's General Store in Cortland has now become a landmark location, known as the place where one fortunate player's life changed forever with a single lottery ticket.

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