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The curtain has officially closed on the old Mega Millions structure, and it ended with a bang. On March 25, one winning ticket held the right numbers for a staggering $349 million jackpot—the final grand prize awarded under the game’s previous format. That went unclaimed for over a month, but this week, a group of Illinois Lottery players aptly calling themselves ‘Blessed’ stepped forward to collect their prize.
The win, which captivated lottery enthusiasts across the country, marked not only a life-changing moment for the winners but also a symbolic end to a chapter in Mega Millions history.
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store in Cortland, Illinois. As per tradition, the retailer was awarded a $500,000 bonus for selling the jackpot ticket. The ‘Blessed’ group, who opted for a single Quick Pick ticket, expressed gratitude and hinted at plans to use their windfall for charitable purposes. “We’re absolutely ecstatic and feel incredibly blessed,” they said. “This unbelievable prize will truly be the gift that keeps on giving.”
This jackpot win is the fourth in less than four years for Illinois. It comes on the heels of a string of impressive victories. Among them was a $552 million win via iLottery in June 2024, the largest ever for an online lottery player in the U.S. There’s also the historic $1.34 billion prize won in July 2022, still the biggest ever awarded in Illinois.
Beyond creating millionaires, the March jackpot run also generated substantial support for education in Illinois. With nearly $24 million in ticket sales during the jackpot climb, over $9 million was directed to the Common School Fund to support K–12 education statewide.
But that March 25 draw was more than just another win. It was the final act for the old Mega Millions format. Just two weeks later, the game ushered in a new era under a $5 format.
- 50% Up to $100 on Deposit
- 20 Free Games on Sign Up
- Use Code: USABONUS
- 50% Up to $100 on Deposit
- 20 Free Games on Sign Up
- Use Code: USABONUS
What Changed with the New Mega Millions Format?
The Mega Millions game underwent a significant structural update starting with the April 8 draw. While ticket prices have increased to $5, the game now offers enhanced features and, potentially, larger and faster-growing jackpots. The changes aim to reinvigorate interest and increase prize payouts across multiple tiers—not just the jackpot.
Less than two weeks into this new structure, the revamped Mega Millions produced its first major success story. In the April 18 drawing, a single ticket matched all numbers to win a jackpot estimated at $112 million. It’s an early sign that the updated format may be delivering on its promise to create winners and build excitement.
As players adapt to the new rules, the legacy of the March 25 jackpot lives on—not just as a monumental win, but as the final milestone of the previous era. Going forward, all eyes are on what the next generation of Mega Millions draws will bring.
For those ready to test their luck in the updated game, lottery tickets are available online in select states and at retails locations around the country.
This blog post was written with AI assistance and human input.
