A man from Washington has become the first person in the state to claim a second-tier, multimillion-dollar prize since recent changes were made to the Mega Millions lottery.
These updates, implemented in April, introduced improved odds, faster-growing jackpots, and increased prize amounts.
The winning ticket was purchased at Fern Prairie Market during what the winner described as a routine visit.
When he returned to check his ticket, the scanner first showed a vague message: "Contact Lottery Office." Confused, he rescanned it—and saw he'd won $2 million.
He rushed to his car and called his wife to share the big news. Though he hasn’t celebrated yet, he plans to use part of the prize for his daughter’s college tuition.
As a bonus for selling the lucky ticket, Fern Prairie Market will receive a $10,000 retailer incentive from the lottery.
The revamped Mega Millions game now costs $5 per play and gives participants nine different ways to win.
To hit the jackpot, players need to match five numbers from 1 to 70, plus a Mega Ball number between 1 and 24.
As of now, the Mega Millions jackpot stands at $110 million, with a lump-sum cash option of approximately $49.4 million.