August 8, 2023 — Florida
The winning ticket was sold at a Publix supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida. The winner chose to remain anonymous, claiming the prize through legal arrangements permitted in Florida. This was the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won and the third-largest US lottery prize in history at the time. The winner selected the lump-sum cash option of approximately $783.3 million before taxes.
Payout choice: The winner chose the lump sum cash option of $783.3 Million, which after federal taxes (37% top bracket) and applicable state taxes results in a significantly reduced — but still life-changing — take-home amount.
Privacy: The winner chose to remain anonymous, claiming through a trust or LLC. Financial advisors generally recommend this approach to protect winners from solicitation, scams, and personal safety risks.
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