"Mega Millions $1.22 billion jackpot won by player in California"
A single ticket sold in California has won the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot, marking the fifth-largest prize in the game's history.
The winning numbers drawn were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega Ball 6.
The ticket was purchased at Sunshine Food and Gas in Cottonwood, a town in northern California.
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The winner, who has not yet come forward, can choose between an annuity paid over 29 years or a lump-sum cash option of approximately $549.7 million.
This jackpot win ends a three-month period without a grand prize winner in the Mega Millions lottery.
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In addition to the jackpot winner, five other players across the United States matched five numbers, earning them $1 million each.
Starting in April, Mega Millions ticket prices are set to increase from $2 to $5, aiming to improve odds and create larger, more frequent prizes.
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