The USA Lottery has produced some of the largest jackpots in the world, changing the lives of lucky winners overnight. From single-ticket billion-dollar wins to shared mega prizes, these historic moments have made headlines across the globe. In this article, we highlight the top 10 biggest USA lottery jackpots ever won, exploring the game, date, winning state, and how the winners chose to claim their fortune.
$2.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot (November 2022)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $2.04 billion
- Winning State: California
- Winner: Edwin Castro (Public)
The largest lottery jackpot in U.S. and world history, this Powerball prize was won by a single ticket sold in Altadena, California. The draw was delayed due to technical issues, but when confirmed, it set a new world record. Edwin Castro chose the lump sum payout of approximately $997.6 million, after taxes.
$1.586 Billion Powerball Jackpot (January 2016)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $1.586 billion
- Winning States: California, Florida, Tennessee
- Winners: 3 (Shared)
This historic draw was the first-ever jackpot to cross the $1.5 billion mark. It was shared by three ticket holders, each receiving around $327.8 million before taxes. The massive prize created lottery frenzy nationwide and was one of the most widely watched draws in history.
$1.537 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot (October 2018)
- Game: Mega Millions
- Winning Amount: $1.537 billion
- Winning State: South Carolina
- Winner: Anonymous
The largest single-ticket lottery win in U.S. history, this Mega Millions jackpot was claimed anonymously in South Carolina. The winner chose the cash option of $877.8 million. South Carolina is one of the few states that allows winners to remain anonymous, sparking intense media speculation.
$1.35 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot (January 2023)
- Game: Mega Millions
- Winning Amount: $1.35 billion
- Winning State: Maine
- Winner: Anonymous
A single ticket sold in Lebanon, Maine, matched all six numbers, becoming the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot and the fourth-largest U.S. jackpot ever. The winner opted for a lump sum payout of about $724.6 million.
$1.08 Billion Powerball Jackpot (July 2023)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $1.08 billion
- Winning State: California
- Winner: Anonymous
This massive Powerball prize was won by a single ticket sold in Los Angeles, marking yet another billion-dollar jackpot for California. The cash option was estimated at $558.1 million, before federal and state taxes.
$1.05 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot (January 2021)
- Game: Mega Millions
- Winning Amount: $1.05 billion
- Winning State: Michigan
- Winner: Four-member lottery club (Anonymous)
A four-member group calling themselves the Wolverine FLL Club came forward to claim this prize. They opted for the lump sum payout of $776.6 million. The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in Novi, Michigan.
$768.4 Million Powerball Jackpot (March 2019)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $768.4 million
- Winning State: Wisconsin
- Winner: Manuel Franco
At just 24 years old, Manuel Franco became one of the youngest people to win a major jackpot. He bought the ticket in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and chose the cash option of $477 million.
$758.7 Million Powerball Jackpot (August 2017)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $758.7 million
- Winning State: Massachusetts
- Winner: Mavis Wanczyk
Mavis Wanczyk, a hospital worker, became one of the biggest single-ticket winners in U.S. history. She took home a lump sum of $480.5 million and quit her job the next day, saying she was “ready to sit back and relax.”
$731.1 Million Powerball Jackpot (January 2021)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $731.1 million
- Winning State: Maryland
- Winner: Anonymous group
A group of Maryland lottery players calling themselves “The Power Pack” won this record-setting prize. They claimed it anonymously through a trust and took the cash option of $546.8 million.
$699.8 Million Powerball Jackpot (October 2021)
- Game: Powerball
- Winning Amount: $699.8 million
- Winning State: California
- Winner: Scott Godfrey
Scott Godfrey, a resident of Morro Bay, California, won the jackpot with a ticket bought at a local convenience store. He took the lump sum and publicly supported using the funds for education and charity.
Summary Table – Top 10 USA Lottery Jackpots
| Rank | Jackpot Amount | Game | Year | State(s) | Winner(s) Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.04 Billion | Powerball | 2022 | California | Single Ticket |
| 2 | $1.586 Billion | Powerball | 2016 | CA, FL, TN | 3 Winners |
| 3 | $1.537 Billion | Mega Millions | 2018 | South Carolina | Single Ticket |
| 4 | $1.35 Billion | Mega Millions | 2023 | Maine | Single Ticket |
| 5 | $1.08 Billion | Powerball | 2023 | California | Single Ticket |
| 6 | $1.05 Billion | Mega Millions | 2021 | Michigan | Lottery Club |
| 7 | $768.4 Million | Powerball | 2019 | Wisconsin | Single Ticket |
| 8 | $758.7 Million | Powerball | 2017 | Massachusetts | Single Ticket |
| 9 | $731.1 Million | Powerball | 2021 | Maryland | Anonymous Group |
| 10 | $699.8 Million | Powerball | 2021 | California | Single Ticket |
What Makes These Jackpots So Big?
These record-breaking jackpots are the result of:
- Multiple rollovers with no winners
- Massive ticket sales nationwide
- Increasing popularity due to media coverage
- Low odds, leading to prolonged growth
As jackpots grow, so does public interest. When the prize exceeds $500 million, ticket sales surge and draw in first-time players, further fueling the jackpot.
Remember, while it’s thrilling to dream big, it’s essential to play responsibly. Every ticket bought contributes to education, infrastructure, and public services in most participating states.