Someone in Florida has won a $US1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot, ending a stretch of lottery futility that had stretched for nearly four months.
Before the big win on Tuesday night there had been 31 consecutive drawings since the last time someone won the jackpot on April 18. That enabled the prize to steadily grow to be the third-largest in US history.
Mega Millions jackpot winners are so rare thanks to odds of one in 302.6 million.
The $US1.58 billion ($A2.41 billion) payout would go to the winner if they opt for an annuity, doled out over 30 years. But people usually prefer a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot is an estimated $US783.3 million ($A1.2 billion).
The prize money is subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the US Virgin Islands.
The winning numbers drawn were: 13 19 20 32 33 and the yellow ball: 14.
