Ohio's $60M Mega Millions winner strikes gold on St. Patrick's Day
A lucky ticket holder in Ohio won a $60 million Mega Millions jackpot on St. Patrick's Day. The prize marks the second major win in just eight days, following another Mega Millions victory in Illinois on March 10. The winner now has 180 days to claim their fortune.
The latest jackpot was sold at a Sunoco gas station in Ohio. It comes after a Mega Millions ticket in Illinois won $34 million on March 10, with that winner choosing to stay anonymous. Their plans include buying a new family home with a swimming pool and funding a holiday.
Since January, four major jackpots have been won across Mega Millions and Powerball. Three of these wins happened in the first three months of 2026 alone. The Ohio winner can opt for an annuity or a one-time cash payment, which would net around $16.37 million after taxes.
Lottery records show a surge in big wins recently. Since 2020, the US has seen roughly 15-18 Mega Millions jackpots and 12-15 Powerball wins, though exact numbers may shift as new results come in.
The St. Patrick's Day win adds to a busy year for lottery jackpots. With four major prizes claimed in under three months, the trend suggests more frequent high-value wins. The Ohio winner's next move will determine whether they take the full annuity or a reduced lump sum.
