Virginia Player Wins Historic $348 Million Mega Millions Jackpot – Largest Lottery Prize in State History
A life-changing moment has struck in Virginia as a lucky ticket holder claims the state’s biggest lottery prize ever – a staggering $348 million Mega Millions jackpot.
The June 27 drawing of the Mega Millions lottery delivered more than just anticipation – it delivered a record-breaking win for one fortunate Virginian. The winning ticket, which matched all six numbers, including the Mega Ball, is now the largest single jackpot ever won in the history of the Virginia Lottery.
Jackpot Breakdown: $348 Million or $155.5 Million in Cash
According to the Virginia Lottery, the winning ticket matched the numbers 18, 21, 29, 42, 50, and the Mega Ball number 2, securing the entire jackpot amount of $348 million. The winner now faces a decision: take the full amount paid out over 30 years or opt for the one-time lump-sum cash option of approximately $155.5 million before taxes.
This win marks a significant milestone, not only for the individual but also for the state of Virginia. No ticket in the state’s history has come close to such a monumental payout, making this a historic moment for lottery enthusiasts across the region.
Identity Still Unknown – New Law Allows Winners to Stay Anonymous
As of now, lottery officials have not disclosed whether the winning ticket was purchased in a physical retail location or online. The winner’s identity remains a mystery – and it might stay that way indefinitely.
A new Virginia state law, going into effect on July 1, allows winners of lottery prizes of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. This means that if the winner chooses, the public may never know their name, background, or even where the ticket was purchased.
Previously, lottery winners in Virginia were typically publicized, often appearing in press conferences or having their photos released. But with privacy concerns increasing in the digital age, the law now gives high-value winners the choice to keep their fortune private.
Should the winner choose to go public, the Virginia Lottery would release their name, hometown, and possibly even photos from a celebratory event. Until then, speculation continues to swirl over the mystery millionaire – or multimillionaire – in Virginia.
Fourth Mega Millions Jackpot of 2025
This record-breaking Virginia win is the fourth Mega Millions jackpot awarded in 2025, signaling a lucky streak for players across the country.
Back in March, a $349 million Mega Millions jackpot was claimed in Illinois. Interestingly, that jackpot was won on March 25, the same day Mega Millions rolled out major changes to the lottery format – including higher ticket prices, increased jackpots, and slightly improved odds.
Other significant jackpot wins earlier this year include two separate $112 million prizes, claimed by players in Ohio and Arizona in January.
With the Virginia win now official, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to $50 million (or $22.4 million cash) for the upcoming drawing on Tuesday, July 1.
Mega Millions Overhaul: What Changed in 2025?
In a bold move to reinvigorate the popular lottery game, Mega Millions underwent a substantial overhaul earlier this year.
The biggest and most immediate change was the increase in ticket price – from $2 to $5 per play. In return, players now compete for larger starting jackpots, which jumped from $20 million to $50 million.
The format of the game also saw slight adjustments. The new structure gives players better odds of winning, although the chances of hitting the jackpot are still slim. Before the changes, the odds of hitting the jackpot were 1 in 302,575,350. Now, the odds are slightly better at 1 in 290,472,336.
Even the odds of winning any prize saw a slight improvement. Before, the overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize stood at 1 in 24; they now sit at 1 in 23.
These enhancements were introduced to generate bigger jackpots more quickly and to make the game more appealing by increasing smaller prize wins.
How to Play Mega Millions in 2025
If this massive win has sparked your interest, playing Mega Millions is simpler than you might think.
Step 1: Buy a Ticket
You can purchase Mega Millions tickets at a wide range of retail locations, including:
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
In many states, including Virginia, players also have the option to buy tickets online.
Step 2: Choose Your Numbers
Each ticket costs $5 and allows you to pick:
- Five white ball numbers from 1 to 70
- One gold Mega Ball number from 1 to 24
Don’t want to choose numbers yourself? You can opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” and the system will randomly generate numbers for you.
Step 3: Add Megaplier (Optional)
For an additional cost, players can choose to add the Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, or even 5x.
Step 4: Watch the Drawing
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. You can watch them live on select TV stations, or check results on the official website or app shortly after the draw.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Aside from in-person purchases, digital platforms have made playing the lottery easier and more secure than ever.
Through authorized lottery courier apps like Jackpocket, players in participating states can buy official Mega Millions tickets without leaving home. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
As of 2025, Jackpocket is available in the following locations:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Puerto Rico
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
The Jackpocket app allows users to:
- Select their game and numbers
- Order tickets digitally
- View scanned copies of their official ticket
- Receive alerts if they win
- Collect winnings directly through the app or transfer to a bank account
This innovation is helping bring the lottery to a younger, more mobile-savvy generation of players.
What Happens Next for the Virginia Winner?
The winner of this historic jackpot now has up to 180 days to claim their prize. Lottery officials are encouraging all players in Virginia to check their tickets, especially those who purchased them in the days leading up to June 27.
The Virginia Lottery has not disclosed the exact retailer or region where the ticket was purchased. However, as soon as the winner comes forward – publicly or privately – further information may become available.
If the winner opts for the cash lump sum, taxes will take a significant bite. Federal taxes will claim 24% off the top, and depending on residency and laws in Virginia, additional state taxes may apply.
Even so, the winner would still be walking away with tens of millions of dollars – enough to secure a lifetime of financial freedom.
A Reminder: Play Responsibly
While jackpot stories like this inspire dreams of wealth, the lottery should always be played responsibly.
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain extremely low, even after the recent changes. Always treat lottery play as entertainment, not investment, and set a budget for tickets.
The Virginia Lottery and Mega Millions both offer resources for responsible gaming and provide support options for those who feel their gambling may be becoming problematic.
Conclusion: A Historic Win and a New Era for Mega Millions
The $348 million Mega Millions win in Virginia is more than just a lucky break – it’s a defining moment in state history and a shining example of how the lottery can change a life overnight.
As the identity of the winner remains unknown, speculation will no doubt continue. But one thing is certain: someone in Virginia is now a multimillionaire, and they hold the biggest winning ticket the state has ever seen.
With Mega Millions offering higher jackpots, better odds, and easier ways to play than ever before, this win could mark the beginning of a new golden era for lottery players across America.