Who won the Mega Millions jackpot in Virginia?
Somebody in Virginia just became an overnight multimillionaire—though we might never know who. A single ticket sold in the state matched all six numbers drawn on Friday, June 27, to win the $348 million Mega Millions jackpot. That’s the largest lottery prize ever won in Virginia history.
The winning numbers were: 18, 21, 29, 42, 50, with the Mega Ball 2. The Virginia Lottery confirmed the win but has not yet disclosed whether the ticket was purchased at a physical retailer or online. The winner has 180 days to claim the prize.
Can the winner stay anonymous?
Yes—and that’s a key detail. Thanks to a new Virginia law taking effect on July 1, winners of prizes worth $1 million or more can choose to remain anonymous. That means unless the ticket holder decides to go public, the rest of us may never know their name or hometown.
This is a significant shift in lottery transparency. Previously, the Virginia Lottery had to reveal basic details like the winner’s name and city. Now, that’s optional—though the lottery can still share information if given permission, including photos and other publicity content.
How big is this jackpot compared to previous wins?
At $348 million, this jackpot is not just big—it’s historic for Virginia. It surpasses any previous win in any Virginia Lottery game. Nationally, it’s one of the larger Mega Millions jackpots this year, just trailing the $349 million prize won in Illinois on March 25.
That Illinois drawing marked the first after Mega Millions rolled out sweeping changes to the game, including:
- Ticket price increase: From $2 to $5
- Starting jackpot raised: From $20 million to $50 million
- Improved odds: 1 in 290,472,336 (previously 1 in 302,575,350)
- Better odds of winning any prize: 1 in 23 (improved from 1 in 24)
These tweaks aim to boost excitement—and payouts. And they seem to be working. Since the changes, 2025 has seen four Mega Millions jackpots claimed across Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, and Arizona.
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions?
Let’s keep it real: the odds are still incredibly steep. You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning or becoming a professional athlete than winning the jackpot.
- Jackpot odds: 1 in 290,472,336
- Any prize odds: 1 in 23
Still, the improved odds and increased jackpots make the risk more palatable for many players, especially as the starting pot now begins at $50 million.
What happens to the jackpot now?
With a winner crowned, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to its new base level:
- Next drawing: Tuesday, July 1
- New jackpot: $50 million
- Cash option: $22.4 million
If you’re planning to play, now’s a good time to buy your ticket—and maybe download a lottery app if you’re in a state that allows digital purchases.
Where can you buy a Mega Millions ticket?
You can grab a ticket almost anywhere—convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and even some airport terminals. If you’re in one of the following states or territories, you can also buy your ticket online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network:
- 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 lets you pick your numbers, view your digital ticket, and claim prizes directly from your phone or computer—no trip to a store required.
How does Mega Millions work?
If you’re new to the game, here’s how to play:
- Pick five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls)
- Pick one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24 (gold ball)
- Or, choose an Easy Pick or Quick Pick to let the computer select for you
Players can also add Megaplier, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to five times (for an extra $1 per play).
Why the anonymity law matters
Virginia’s new law granting anonymity to lottery winners is part of a larger trend across the U.S. While transparency advocates argue public disclosure helps prevent fraud and promotes fairness, many winners fear harassment, scams, or even personal safety issues after going public.
With the stakes this high—$348 million—privacy becomes more than a preference. It’s protection.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 11 states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous. Virginia’s move aligns with growing recognition that sudden wealth can bring unwanted attention.
What should you do if you win?
Experts generally advise these steps before claiming your prize:
- Sign the ticket immediately to prove ownership.
- Keep it secure—preferably in a fireproof safe.
- Get legal and financial advice, especially if you want to remain anonymous.
- Stay quiet—avoid sharing the news widely.
- Contact the state lottery office to understand the claim process.
Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, consider playing responsibly and maybe enjoy a smaller win. After all, the odds of winning something just got a little better.
