The end of 2024 brought a millionaire surprise in the United States, in a draw that can be compared to the European Euromillions. It was not only the value of the prize that caught the eye, but also the moving story behind the place where the bulletin and the family that manages it was sold. A simple stop to supply fuel has become one of the most striking moments of the year for a small California community.
A historical prize in Cottonwood
The Mega Million draw took place on December 27, 2024, in Cottonwood, about 210 kilometers north of Sacramento, capital of the state of California. It was on this date that a client unknowingly bought a $ 1,200 million ticket, equivalent to about 1,170 million euros, says News.
This prize became the fifth largest ever in the history of Mega Millions, which in itself would be news.
But what made everything even more special was where the ticket was sold: the Sunshine Food and Gas service station, owned by a local family.
An unexpected victory for local commerce
The owner of the establishment, Ishar Gill, shared the news with great enthusiasm the day after the draw. “Honestly, we are speechless…” he wrote on the store’s official Facebook page.
According to the same source, it was easy to see the emotion, especially given the history of the business.
The publication continued: “Sunshine Food and Gas (Circle K) has just sold a $ 1,200 million ticket from Mega Millions. To the winner, we could not be happier for you. To our wonderful community, thanks for supporting us and being part of our lives every day.”
A community with a history of overcoming
The enthusiasm of the Gill family has plenty of reasons to exist. Over the course of twenty years, they have faced several difficulties in the business. Just three years ago, a fire completely destroyed the building, forcing its total reconstruction.
Seeing now its gas station associated with one of the largest prizes ever represents a huge relief and a great reward for the recovery effort.
In a gesture of gratitude, the publication of the store ended with a symbolic toast: “Let’s toast to the dreams that come true and the wonderful people who make Cottonwood such a special place.”
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The identity of the winner remains a mystery
To date, the winner’s identity has not yet been publicly revealed. It is not even known if the person is already aware that it was precisely in that place that acquired the ticket with the winning numbers: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and Mega Ball number 6.
This type of anonymity is common in the United States, especially in states such as California, where, according to the same source, the winner may take weeks or months to claim the prize.
An almost impossible probability
Winning Mega Millions is no easy task. The odds are only 1 in 302.6 million, which did not prevent thousands of players from continuing to try their luck as the prize was growing.
The last winner before this one had been registered on September 10 in Texas, with a value of $ 880 million, about 858 million euros, says the source mentioned above.
The absolute record remains the November 2022 draw, which distributed $ 2,040 million, about $ 1,989 million, the largest prize ever awarded a lottery.
How the prize can be raised
Happy awarded the $ 1,200 million (1,170 million euros) will have two options to receive the money, according to: You can choose to receive all the amount of 30 annual installments or choose a single immediate cash payment of $ 549.7 million, ie about 527 million euros.
Both modalities are subject to personal taxes and decisions, but most importantly, whatever the choice, the winner’s life has changed forever.
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