A Nearly Unbeatable Second-Place Win

PRESS RELEASE

A Nearly Unbeatable Second-Place Win High Desert Five-Number Match Worth More Than $7 Million

SACRAMENTO - A remarkable win in the High Desert for Susan Thede secured a major Mega Millions® prize with a ticket purchased at Alrabadi Gas & Mini Mart, 2680 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale. Susan's ticket matched five numbers, not a jackpot winner, but still an extraordinary second-place outcome for a win in an elite class of wins, coming within a breath of the jackpot itself.

This win is more than just a local headline. Tumbling in at over $7.3 million, it's a new chapter in California Lottery lore. Susan's prize ranks as the second largest single-ticket Mega Millions® five-number match in the state since 2014, proving that Lady Luck is just as likely to visit the sunbaked stretches of the Antelope Valley as anywhere else.

With today's Mega Millions drawing on the horizon, anticipation is building. A five-number match, just like Susan's, could net someone more than $3.6 million this week. Not to be outdone, Saturday's Powerball® draw is offering nearly $2 million for a similar five-number feat. Somewhere out there, another incredible second-place moment is stretching its legs, ready to surprise a player in the High Desert or anywhere else in California.

Whether you're playing from the heart of a busy city or the quiet corners of the Mojave, the next big win could be hiding in a pocket somewhere in the state, just a ticket away.

Know The Draw Times

Mega Millions draws on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. Draw entry for Mega Millions closes at 7:45 p.m. on the day of the draw. This Friday's jackpot is worth an estimated $321 million. Powerball draws take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:59 p.m. Draw entry for Powerball closes at 7 p.m. on the day of the draw. This Saturday's jackpot is worth an estimated $440 million.

Play It Safe

The California Lottery reminds players and the public to remain alert for scams. The Lottery never charges a fee to claim a prize, never asks for personal or financial information by phone, email, or text, and never contacts individuals to announce a win before an official claim form is filed. There is no way to win a Lottery prize without purchasing a ticket. Lottery tickets may only be purchased in person from authorized California Lottery retailers. Online or mobile ticket sales are not permitted in California. Anyone who believes they may be the target of a scam or who has questions about a claim should contact the California Lottery Customer Service Center at 1-800-LOTTERY or visit calottery.com/play- responsibly.

Top 10 Second Place Wins Since 2014

Mega Millions | Friday, June 17, 2022 | $7,727,088

Powerball | Saturday, August 9, 2014 | $7,660,254

Mega Millions | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | $7,326,643

Powerball | Wednesday, February 19, 2020 | $7,054,356

Powerball | Wednesday, June 1, 2022 | $6,021,023

Powerball | Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | $5,717,713

Powerball | Saturday, September 23, 2023 | $5,422,749

Mega Millions | Friday, December 5, 2025 | $5,104,961

Powerball | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 | $4,927,915

Mega Millions | Friday, August 8, 2025 | $4,607,223

Every Play Is A Win For California Public Education

California Lottery funds provide support for public education athletics programs, career development, arts and music programs, and more, all across California. Visitors to calottery.com/who-benefits can see an interactive map of where those funds go at the local level, as well as the latest quarterly financial reports.

###

The mission of the California Lottery is to raise additional funding for public education, helping to supplement school budgets for K-12 as well as colleges and universities. The California Lottery has raised more than $48 billion for public schools through the responsible sale of its games since 1985. Lottery funding for schools is largely discretionary, so administrators and educators can use Lottery money for instructional programs and services they may not otherwise afford. The California Lottery features eight draw games and dozens of new instant Scratchers games each year. More than 95% of California Lottery sales revenue goes back to the community in the form of prize payments, retailer commissions and bonuses, and contributions to education. More information about who benefits can be found here. As jackpots rise, the California Lottery would like to remind players that gambling should be fun. Borrowing money to play, spending above a person's budget, or using money intended for other purposes can ultimately lead to significant problems for players and their families. If a player recognizes that they have a gambling problem or if someone knows of someone who may have a problem, the Lottery recommends calling the California Problem Gambling Help Line at 1- 800-GAMBLER.