Thomas Ensko from Massachusetts recently struck gold with a $1 million Mega Millions win, thanks to a set of numbers he has played for 20 years. On June 12, 2024, Ensko collected his prize at the Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters in Dorchester. The winning numbers, which he chose based on his birthday, finally paid off after two decades of perseverance. He purchased his winning ticket at Anderson’s Variety Store in Blackstone, which also received a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket.
Ensko’s wife is no stranger to lottery luck either, having won $1 million with an instant ticket over 20 years ago. With his newfound fortune, Ensko plans to share his $1 million Mega Millions prize with his children and grandchildren, ensuring it benefits his entire family.
As of this year, only two Mega Millions jackpot prizes have been claimed, with hundreds of thousands winning smaller amounts. In March, a New Jersey player won $1.13 billion, and in June, an Illinois player won $552 million. The current jackpot is projected to be $800 million, with a lump-sum payment estimated at $404.2 million after taxes.
In related news, a man from Michigan who narrowly missed a $610,000 jackpot on July 26, celebrated the next day after winning the $795,905 Fantasy 5 jackpot. Lottery authorities in Michigan confirmed his victory online less than 24 hours after his initial disappointment.