Group claims $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot in Florida

Saltine Holdings, LLC, has stepped forward to claim the $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot, marking the culmination of several months following the historic win. The Florida Lottery officially announced this revelation on Wednesday, confirming that the fortunate group has opted for a one-time, lump-sum payment exceeding $794 million.

This remarkable jackpot, accrued over 32 rollovers spanning nearly four months, holds significance not only for the beneficiaries but also for Florida’s education sector. A substantial contribution of $73.4 million is earmarked for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program as a result of this windfall.

The winning ticket, purchased at the Neptune Beach Publix in Florida, has also brought recognition to the retailer, which will be awarded a commendable $100,000 bonus commission for facilitating the jackpot sale.

Mega Millions, a widely participated lottery, engages players across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This recent triumph by Saltine Holdings adds a new chapter to the annals of lottery history, securing its place as one of the largest wins to date.

It is noteworthy that at the time of the Mega Millions win, only two other U.S. lottery jackpots exceeded the magnitude of this windfall: a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016 and a staggering $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in 2022. Subsequently, on October 11, 2023, a $1.76 billion Powerball jackpot was clinched, further underscoring the ever-growing allure of these substantial lottery prizes.