The Massachusetts State Lottery announced that a Megabucks ticket sold at King Mart, a convenience store on Westfield Road in Holyoke, has set a new record for the game. The ticket, purchased for the September 7 drawing, carries a jackpot of $29.7 million – the highest prize ever awarded in the Megabucks series.
Details of the winning ticket
The winning Quick Pick ticket featured the numbers 21‑28‑31‑34‑40‑44. As with all Megabucks prizes, the winner has one year from the drawing date to claim the award. The lottery has not yet identified the purchaser, and the ticket remains unclaimed.
How the record compares
The previous Megabucks record was set on October 16, 1985, when a $21.7 million prize was split among eight tickets. At that time, the payout ranked as the third‑largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. Before the Holyoke ticket, the largest single‑ticket win was $16.35 million, awarded in the September 10, 2022 drawing to a ticket sold in Ware, Massachusetts.
History of the Megabucks game
Megabucks was introduced in November 1982 and has undergone several format changes over the decades. The most recent alteration, implemented in 2023, reduced the pool of numbers from 49 to 44, thereby improving the odds of winning. These changes have helped sustain player interest and contributed to the growth of jackpot sizes.State officials highlighted that the record‑setting ticket reflects both the popularity of the game and the broader appeal of lottery participation across Western Massachusetts. The lottery’s revenue supports a variety of public programs, including education, public safety, and community services, aligning with the state’s commitment to invest lottery proceeds back into the community.
Local impact
Holyoke residents have expressed excitement over the news, noting the boost in visibility for local businesses like King Mart. The store’s manager, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the ticket sale was a routine transaction, but the subsequent announcement has brought unexpected attention to the neighborhood.
Mayor Michael F. Kelley praised the community’s enthusiasm, stating, “While we hope the ticket is claimed soon, the excitement it generates showcases the spirit of Holyoke – a town that celebrates big moments together.”
What’s next?
The lottery will continue to monitor the ticket’s status. If the prize is claimed, the winner will receive the full $29.7 million before taxes. If the ticket remains unclaimed after the one‑year deadline, the prize will revert to the state lottery’s reserve fund, which is used to fund future prize pools and public initiatives.
In the meantime, the Massachusetts State Lottery encourages players to purchase tickets responsibly and reminds the public that lottery games are a form of entertainment, not a financial strategy.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
