Mississippi’s first big Mega Millions lottery winner bought a ticket on Coast
A Gautier woman is the first million-dollar lottery winner in Mississippi.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, turned in her $2 million winning ticket Thursday at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters in Flowood. She won in the June 9 Mega Millions drawing for matching the 5 white ball numers and paying the extra dollar for Meagplier.
“I picked my own numbers, and I always play Megaplier,” the woman said. “When we heard the Mississippi Lottery was coming to Mississippi, I said I’d be the first to win!”
She purchased her winning ticket from Jerry Lee’s Grocery in Gautier, where she said she goes once a week to purchase her tickets.
The winning Mega Millions numbers were: 1, 5, 9, 10, 23 with a Mega Ball of 22.
A single ticket sold in Arizona matched all six numbers drawn plus the gold Mega Ball 22. That ticket-holder wins the $414 million jackpot (or $319.9 million cash).
“We are thrilled to announce our first multi-million-dollar lottery winner in Mississippi in just a little over four months since Mega Millions sales began,” said Mississippi Lottery Corporation president Tom Shaheen.
The winner had 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim the prize at MLC headquarters. Winners of large cash prises are advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it in a secure location. The Lottery Corp. also recommends the winner consider consulting with legal and financial advisors.
Through April 2020 MLC has transferred more than $47 million to the state for roads and bridges from lottery proceeds.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 2:38 PM.
