Ishar Gill, a son of the store owner, said the winning ticket was a blessing for the small town. "We don’t have the slightest clue of who may have won it or who may have sold it," Gill told the Associated Press. With such a win, the whole community is uplifted, fostering excitement and hope among residents who can only dream of such wealth.
Carolyn Becker, a California Lottery spokesperson, emphasized the significance of the win, noting, "Well, it’s a giant win in a small town." She highlighted the transformative potential of the jackpot not just for the winner but for Cottonwood itself, hinting that this could lead to new opportunities for local businesses and community growth.
The state of California does not tax lottery winnings, which means the winner could take home a substantial portion of the prize. "Our advice for the player who hit the jackpot tonight is to make sure you sign the back of that ticket," Becker said, emphasizing the importance of securing their ticket for future claims.
The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. However, nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for this drawing is an estimated $549.7m.
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