$800 Million Mega Millions Winner Claims Prize

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bought their ticket at a Bradenton Wawa in Florida for the July 28 2026 drawing. The $800 million jackpot was the tenth largest prize in the history of Mega Millions, and had been building for four months.

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The Numbers

The winning numbers on the ticket — matching every main ball along with the gold Mega Ball in the event — were 34, 48, 49, 59, and 70. The Mega Ball was 12. The numbers were picked via Quick Pick. Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald Dixon has expressed that officials are “thrilled to congratulate Florida’s newest Mega Millions jackpot winner on this incredible, life-changing moment.”

Cash, Taxes & Winner Anonymity

Alongside this, it’s been verified that the winner opted for the cash payment, which equates to $344.2 million before taxes are applied. There are no state tax rates on Florida lottery winnings as the Sunshine State has no personal income tax, but federal income taxes do apply. This includes two stages — an upfront 24% IRS withholding if you provide a Social Security Number or a 30% withholding if you do not provide one. For 2026, the highest federal income tax is 37%. Winning a major jackpot means owing a remaining 14% difference when you file your annual federal tax return.

The Florida Lottery permits its huge jackpot winners to stay anonymous, a rule that differs from state to state. Winning $250,000 or more does not require you to go public for 90 days following the claim. After this time has elapsed, the FL Lottery will provide your identity if someone (like an external media source) requests this information.

The Location of the Winning Ticket

As a celebration, the Manatee County gas station that sold the ticket provided free coffee and fountain drinks of any size for the entirety of the following day. It was good news for the Sunshine State as a whole too, as they now hold the top and tenth spots on the 10 largest Mega Millions jackpot wins ever.

The biggest Mega Millions jackpot was won August 8, 2023, after the prize pot had soared to a whopping $1.58 billion (cash value of approximately $783.3 million).

Future Mega Millions

Since this jackpot win, the Mega Millions prize pool has increased beyond $150 million, with players attempting to win it every Tuesday and Friday, when drawings take place. If this story has shown you the life-changing possibilities that occur when you take part, you can play online.

Be sure to check your ticket after every draw that you enter, or you risk forfeiting potential prizes.

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