Identity of California’s $1.2 Billion Mega Millions Winner Revealed
On March 17, 2025, CA Lottery announced that the California player who won a $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December, has finally come forward to claim their prize.
The winner, Rosemary Casarotti, purchased her lucky ticket at Sunshine Food and Gas Circle K in Cottonwood. The draw took place on December 27, 2024, and after matching five numbers plus the Mega Ball, she secured a jackpot worth over $1 billion!
Casarotti only recently contacted the CA Lottery to claim her winnings - likely taking time to plan her next steps before coming forward. After all, California allows winners one year from the draw date to claim their lottery prizes.
Good News for California
It was a huge win all around for the Golden State, as this massive jackpot allowed the California Lottery to raise approximately $89.5 million for public schools. California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima celebrated this achievement, stating, "On this lucky day, we are so excited to celebrate that!"
The California Lottery has contributed more than $46 billion to public schools across the state, along with over $1 billion toward a diverse range of programs, including performing arts, dance, sports, and technical training.
As a self-supported state agency, the CA Lottery generates significant funding for state institutions - making major jackpot wins even more reason to celebrate!
Additionally, Circle K, the store where the winning ticket was sold, received the maximum retailer bonus of $1 million and joined in on the celebrations.
Store owner Ishar Gill expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history. Our customers are the heart of our business, and we’re grateful to be part of such an amazing community."
Jackpot Winner Comes Forward
A press conference was arranged on Monday to publicly announce the winner’s name, but Rosemary Casarotti chose not to attend, stating that she preferred to remain as private as possible.
What we do know is that she opted for the cash option valued at $571 million (before federal taxes) rather than the annuity option, which would have paid out her winnings in annual installments.
Speaking on Casarotti’s behalf, California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker stated:
"I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can say with certainty how grateful and happy she is - not just to have won this money, but also to have contributed to public schools."
This win marks the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history, with the largest ever being a $1.602 billion jackpot won on August 8, 2023.
As of now, the Mega Millions jackpot stands at $301 million - but how high will it climb this time? With draws every Tuesday and Friday, why not get your tickets online and take your shot at becoming the next big winner?
Published: Tuesday, March 18, 2025