SPRINGFIELD, IL – A Mega Millions player in Illinois struck it rich on Tuesday night, winning a whopping jackpot of $560 million. This win marks the end of a dry spell lasting over three months, bringing joy to the lucky winner of this substantial prize. The winning numbers, 19, 37, 40, 63, 69, with the gold Mega ball 17, are now etched in the annals of lottery history.

This jackpot stands as the ninth-largest prize in the game’s storied past, providing the fortunate winner with the option of claiming the full $560 million or opting for a one-time cash payout of $264.0 million. With life-changing sums on the line, this win underscores the thrilling possibilities that come with playing Mega Millions.

Just last summer, the Mega Millions jackpot crossed the $500 million threshold, showcasing the allure of this popular lottery game. This recent win in Illinois comes after the grand prize lay unclaimed since March 26, when a New Jersey player secured a jackpot worth a staggering $1.13 billion.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot stand at 1 in 302,575,350, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this recent win in Illinois. The previous jackpot win in March, ranking as the game’s fifth-largest, has now been outshone by the latest windfall in Illinois.

The winning ticket was sold at ShopRite Liquor on Route 66 in Neptune Township, New Jersey, with the grocery store receiving a $30,000 bonus for selling the golden ticket. Despite the vast sums at stake, the identity of the winner remains a mystery, with the option to claim the prize in annual installments over 30 years or as a lump sum of $537.5 million.

Under New Jersey law, lottery winners have the privilege of remaining anonymous, allowing them to savor their newfound wealth away from the public eye. Winners also have up to a year after the drawing to claim their prize, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this thrilling saga of sudden riches.