The winner of California’s largest Mega Millions jackpot is no longer a mystery. California Lottery officials identified Rosemary Casarotti as the winner of the $1. 269 billion jackpot from the December 27, 2024 draw. They chose to announce today, March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated as the luckiest day of the year.
Lottery officials made the announcement in Northern California at the Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood, up in Shasta County. Only the name of the winner was given at a news conference. However, officials said she opted to take the lump sum, around $571 million. The other choice is the installment plan over several years, which would add up closer to the jackpot total. Also, the retailer got a $1 million bonus for selling that winning ticket: those lucky numbers 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega 6.
“We offer Rosemary our heartfelt congratulations for her historic win and our gratitude for her part in supporting the California Lottery’s mission to provide extra money for public education in our state,” said California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima in a news release. “Because of this historic jackpot win, the California Lottery was able to raise an estimated $89.5 million for public schools. On this lucky day, we are so excited to celebrate that!”
According to California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker, 95% of every dollar spent on California Lottery games returns to the community in the form of prize payments, school funding, and retailer compensation.
Meanwhile, another chance for a big Mega Millions payday is coming up tomorrow. The jackpot stands at around $300 million. Mega Millions draws are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
