A woman stopped at a convenience store in United States South Carolina state, where her eye caught an upcoming Mega Millions jackpot drawing worth US$ 1.5 billion.
She was sure of not winning but even then she bought a ticket, because just incase.
Her attorney Jason Kurland said that, “After checking her ticket the morning after the drawing, she was in complete shock and disbelief. She stared motionless at the ticket for what felt like hours, then came the jumping and screams of joy.”
The South Carolina Lottery said the woman came to collect her prize, and she would receive a one-time gross payment of US$ 878 million. This is the the largest jackpot payout to a single winner ever.
The lady did not reveal her identity but she released a statement, “Words can’t describe the feeling of such incredible luck. I do realize that such good fortune carries a tremendous social responsibility, and it gives me a unique opportunity to assist, support and contribute to charities and causes that are close to my heart.”
South Carolina is one of the few states where lottery winners can remain anonymous.
Kurland helps big lottery jackpot winners think through their plans with financial advisers and accountants.
The store that sold the winning ticket will receive a US$ 50,000 bonus, the state will get US$ 61 million in income taxes from the winner.