RELEASE DATE: 4/9/2012
TOPEKA, KAN. – The winner of Kansas’ largest jackpot prize ever, Anonymous, was introduced this afternoon in a news conference held at Lottery headquarters in Topeka. The winner was one of three players nationwide to purchase a winning ticket in the world-record breaking $656 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing Friday, March 30, 2012. The Kansas winner plans to take the cash option, $157.9 million.
“We were so thrilled to meet with the winner earlier today and welcome the winner to the Kansas millionaire family. Even though the winner has elected to remain anonymous, there is great reason for celebration across the state. This jackpot is a mega win for not only the prize winner, but Lottery retailers as well as the State of Kansas,” said Dennis Wilson, Kansas Lottery Executive Director.
The jackpot will be split evenly among the holders of the three tickets that matched all six numbers: 2-4-23-38-46, Mega Ball 23. Those tickets were bought in Kansas, Illinois and Maryland.
The winner purchased the lucky jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket at Casey’s General Store 2668, located at 940 N. Main St. in Ottawa. For selling a jackpot-winning ticket, Casey’s 2668 will receive a $10,000 selling bonus from the Kansas Lottery. Robert Pizzini, District Manager, was present at the press conference held today to accept the bonus check for the convenience store.
The winner had the choice of taking the annuity option of $218.6 million, which is paid in 26 installments, or the cash option of $157.9 million paid in one lump sum. After taxes the winner will receive a check for $110.5 million.
Federal income withholding taxes (25%) on the prize are $39,470,517.50; state income withholding taxes (5%) amount to $7,894,103.50; bringing the total taxes withheld to $47,364,621.00.
The jackpot amount was originally estimated at $640 million but with sales from all 44 Mega Millions jurisdictions calculated and totaled, the final jackpot amount for the drawing came to $656 million dollars. That record-shattering amount was the result of unprecedented sales in all jurisdictions where Mega Millions is played.
For more information on games, promotions, winning numbers, and unclaimed prizes, or to join the free Kansas Lottery Players Club, visit www.kslottery.com.