The winning ticket was bought in late July at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, which is a 20-mile drive northwest of downtown Chicago. Now, almost eight weeks following the draw of one of the largest-ever mega millions jackpot, two people have agreed to split the prize.
Incidentally, the jackpot is the third largest in US history according to lottery executives. The winners have worked out the professional legal and financial modalities over the past few weeks, though they have made it clear that they wish to remain anonymous. They have decided to take a lump sum payment of $780.5 million.
Obviously, those working at Illinois Lottery are thrilled to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience and say it’s a surreal feeling to think of all the wealth that would be enjoyed by the two winners and their close ones.
The jackpot happens to be the third largest in US history. It grew large as no one had matched the game’s six selected numbers since April 15. It took 29 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.
