The $1.2 billion prize winning ticket for Mega Millions has been redeemed in California. The lucky winner is a woman named Rosemary Casarotti, and she opted for the lump sum cash option. Casarotti bought the ticket at a Circle K in December of 2024, and she came forward to claim her life-changing prize this week.

The winning ticket from the December 27, 2024, Mega Millions drawing, worth more than $1.2 billion, has finally been redeemed in the state of California. The lucky winner, Rosemary Casarotti, stepped forward this week to claim her massive prize, opting for the one-time lump sum payment instead of the full annuity payout.

The winning ticket was purchased at the Circle K Sunshine Food and Gas store in Cottonwood, California, during the holiday season. The jackpot had actually rolled over a few times before reaching the staggering amount. While the winner had up to a year to come forward, Casarotti wasted no time in securing her life-changing payout.

Lump sum payout over annuity

Rather than taking the full $1.2 billion in annuity payments spread over 30 years, Casarotti elected to receive the lump sum cash option, which amounts to over $571 million. However, this amount is subject to federal taxes amounting to 37%, bringing her net payout down to approximately $360 million.

One of the advantages for lottery winners in California is that the state does not consider lottery winnings as taxable income. This means Casarotti will not have to worry about additional state taxes on her prize, unlike winners in some other states where local taxes can significantly reduce winnings.

California Lottery policies and public records

California law mandates that lottery jackpot winners cannot remain anonymous. The rule is designed to promote transparency and public trust in the lottery system. While Casarotti's name was made public, she chose to forego a formal ceremony held by the California Lottery at the Circle K store where she purchased the winning ticket.

Despite remaining mostly private, Carolyn Becker, the California Lottery spokesperson, shared some insights about the winner's reaction. "I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools," Becker said.

Supporting education in California

The California Lottery plays a crucial role in funding the state's education system. According to officials, during the four months leading up to Casarotti's historic win, the lottery raised approximately $89.5 million for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in the state.

Harjinder Shergill Chima, California Lottery Director, extended congratulations to Casarotti and acknowledged her contribution to the state's educational programs. "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," Chima said.

Circle K's big win

While Casarotti took home the grand prize, the Circle K in Cottonwood, where the ticket was sold, also became a big winner. The store received a $1 million commission from the California Lottery for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.

"It's an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history," stated Ishar Gill, whose family owns the Cottonwood Circle K. "Our customers are the heart of our business, and we're grateful to be a part of such an amazing community."

A historic win in lottery history

Casarotti's jackpot win ranks as the ninth-largest lottery prize in US history along with the fifth-largest in the history of Mega Millions. The game, which debuted in 1996 as The Big Game, has since become one of the most popular lotteries in the country.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain astronomical, with a lone ticket having a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of matching all five white balls along with the gold Mega Ball. Starting next month, the cost of playing Mega Millions will increase from $2 to $5 per ticket. The Megaplier, an add-on currently costing $1, will be automatically included in all future purchases.

For now, Rosemary Casarotti joins the ranks of history-making lottery winners, taking home a fortune that will undoubtedly change her life forever.