She was rich in the Golden State.
California lottery officials revealed Monday that Rosemary Casalotti was the winner of last year's $1.2 billion mega million jackpot.
Casalotti was the only player in the country to correctly select all six numbers for the Mega Millions drawn on December 27, 2024.
Lucky Loto player chose to skip the press conference announcing her victory.
But “She explained the excitement she felt,” state lottery spokesman Carolyn Becker said of her conversation with Casarotti.
Casarotti, who bought tickets at Cottonwood's Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K, chose the $571 million lump sum in lieu of decades of payments that were close to the $1.2 billion awards.
“We sincerely congratulate Rosemary on her gratitude for her historic victory and supporting her California lottery mission to provide extra money for public education in our state,” said California lottery director Haljinder Shergill Chima.
Approximately $89.5 million has been directed from the giant mega million jackpot to public schools.
No details have been released about Casarotti, but official records show that she is in her 60s and lives in Golden State. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
The family-run store that sold tickets won a $1 million retail bonus.
“It's amazing to know that our store played a role in creating lottery history,” owner Ishal Gill said at a press conference in front of his business.
“Our customers are at the heart of our business and we are grateful to be part of such an incredible community.”
Mega Million drawings are made every Tuesday and Friday, with the current pool of money at $324 million.
