A winning Mega Millions ticket was recently sold at a gas station in South Carolina, leaving one number short of claiming the grand prize that has gone unsold since December 17th. The ticket, purchased for $2 with additional options, matched four white ball numbers and the gold Megaball, earning its owner a $40,000 jackpot.
The winning numbers from the December 17 drawing were 56, 66, 67, 68, and 69, along with a Megaball of 18. The prize was quadrupled due to the purchase of additional options, resulting in an $80,000 payment instead of the expected $10,000.
South Carolina Education Lottery officials are now searching for the winner, who has until January 16th to claim their prize. As South Carolina is one of only 11 states allowing lottery winners to remain anonymous, the owner will be able to keep their identity private.
The convenience store where the ticket was purchased, Quick Pantry, will receive a commission upon submitting the winning ticket to lottery officials. The current Mega Millions jackpot stands at $944 million, with tickets available for purchase and expected to increase in price with additional options.
Source: https://www.thestate.com/news/lottery/article297460728.html