The Biggest Lottery Wins in United States History

An anonymous New Jersey player won the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot in 2024 after buying the ticket at ShopRite Liquor in Neptune Township. The March 26 drawing ended a long jackpot climb, and because New Jersey allows lottery winners to stay private, the person behind the ticket was not publicly identified.

With no personal plans released, the financial choice became the main public detail. The winner could take the full annuity over 30 years or choose a lump sum worth hundreds of millions before taxes. In New Jersey, that kind of money could buy oceanfront homes, fund businesses, support family, and still create generational wealth.