10 biggest jackpot wins in gambling history 

Sankunni K January 29, 2025
10 biggest jackpot wins in gambling history 

Gambling has always been a thrilling pursuit, but for a lucky few, it has turned into a life-changing experience. From slot machines to lotteries, the allure of hitting the jackpot has created some of the most jaw-dropping stories in history. Here, we dive into the 10 biggest jackpot wins in gambling history.

$1.765 billion – Powerball, California (2023)

The largest lottery jackpot in history was won in October 2023 by a single ticket sold in California. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, opted for the lump-sum payment of $774.1 million. This record-breaking Powerball draw had the entire nation on edge as the jackpot rolled over for months. The winning numbers were 22, 24, 40, 52, 64, and the Powerball 10.

$1.586 billion – Powerball, Three Winners (2016)

Image: USA Today

In January 2016, three tickets split the largest jackpot at the time, each winning $528.8 million. The winners were from California, Florida, and Tennessee. This historic draw marked the first time the Powerball jackpot crossed the $1 billion mark, creating a frenzy of ticket sales across the U.S.

$1.537 billion – Mega Millions, South Carolina (2018)

A single ticket sold in South Carolina won the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history in October 2018. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed the prize months later, opting for the lump-sum payment of $877.8 million. This win sparked debates about lottery anonymity laws in various states.

$1.35 billion – Mega Millions, Maine (2023)

In January 2023, a single ticket sold in Maine won the fourth-largest lottery jackpot in history. The winner, part of a lottery pool called “The Breakfast Club,” chose the lump-sum payment of $723.5 million. This win was particularly notable because it was the first Mega Millions jackpot to exceed $1 billion since 2018.

$1.05 billion – Mega Millions, Michigan (2021)

A single ticket sold in Michigan won the sixth-largest lottery jackpot in January 2021. The winner, a lottery club called “The Wolverine FLL Club,” chose to remain anonymous. This win marked the first time the Mega Millions jackpot crossed the $1 billion threshold since the game’s inception.

$768.4 million – Powerball, Wisconsin (2019)

Image: Manuel Franco (Powerball)

In March 2019, a single ticket sold in Wisconsin won the third-largest Powerball jackpot in history. The winner, Manuel Franco, a 24-year-old from West Allis, Wisconsin, came forward to claim his prize, opting for the lump-sum payment of $477 million. Franco described the win as “surreal” and vowed to use the money responsibly.

$758.7 million – Powerball, Massachusetts (2017)

Image: Mavis L Wanczyk (Powerball)

In August 2017, Mavis Wanczyk, a hospital worker from Massachusetts, won the largest single-ticket Powerball jackpot at the time. She chose the lump-sum payment of $480.5 million. Wanczyk immediately quit her job and shared her plans to enjoy her newfound wealth with family and friends.

$731.1 million – Powerball, Maryland (2021)

In January 2021, a single ticket sold in Maryland won the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot in history. The winner, a small convenience store in Lonaconing, Maryland, sold the winning ticket. The jackpot was claimed by a lottery pool of 15 coworkers who chose to remain anonymous.

$699.8 million – Powerball, California (2021)

In October 2021, a single ticket sold in California won the seventh-largest Powerball jackpot. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, opted for the lump-sum payment of $496 million. This win was part of a streak of massive jackpots that year, fuelling excitement among lottery players.

$656 million – Mega Millions, Three Winners (2012)

In March 2012, three tickets split the largest Mega Millions jackpot at the time, each winning $218.6 million. The winners were from Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland. This draw marked a turning point in lottery history, as it was the first time the Mega Millions jackpot exceeded $500 million.

Luck can strike any moment. These jaw-dropping jackpots are a reminder of that. Whether it’s a single ticket or a group effort, these wins have changed lives forever. While the odds of hitting such a jackpot are astronomically low, the dream of becoming an overnight billionaire keeps millions of players coming back for more. Who knows? The next record-breaking win could be just around the corner.

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