The Lotto Matrix: Mega Millions Winner Claims $800M Prize, Evolution Grows In Canada, More

Welcome to this week’s “Lotto Matrix,” a weekly Friday compilation of the lottery industry’s most significant, interesting, or absurd happenings.

$800M Mega Millions winner comes forward

The Sol Living Trust from Sugar Land, Texas, has officially claimed the estimated $800 million jackpot from the Sept. 10 Mega Millions drawing, which was the seventh-largest prize in the game’s history. Choosing the lump-sum cash payment option, the Trust (maintaining individual anonymity) received $409,297,624 before taxes, setting a record for the largest prize awarded to a single Texas Lottery player.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased in Sugar Land. As a reward for selling the jackpot-winning ticket, the retailer — a Murphy gas station — received a $1 million bonus.

The Mega Millions jackpot had grown from an initial $20 million on June 7, rolling over 27 times before being claimed. This win makes the Sol Living Trust the Texas Lottery’s 15th Mega Millions jackpot winner, following the Blue Yucca Trust, which won an estimated $360 million in October 2023.

In addition to jackpot, 175,127 Mega Millions tickets sold in Texas won lower-tier prizes in that drawing, ranging from $2 to $40,000.

Evolution evolves in Canada

Evolution has announced a strategic partnership with Atlantic Lottery to bring its gaming portfolio to the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Through this collaboration, Atlantic Lottery will offer a wide range of Evolution’s games, including those from its subsidiaries NetEnt, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, and Nolimit City, to a potential market of 2.5 million people.

This partnership is part of Evolution’s continued expansion across Canada, as the company already provides its iGaming solutions to four other provincial lottery organizations: British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and Loto Québec.

Lotto.com partners with Boys & Girls Clubs

Lotto.com recently partnered with the New Jersey Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County for its first Lotto.com Back to School Giveback Day, raising $10,000 to support local youth programs and operational needs. This initiative reflects Lotto.com’s stated commitment to giving back to the community.

The funds raised will help provide services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, which offers after-school programs, academic support, and enrichment activities.

This week, Lotto.com also made news by entering its 11th state, Massachusetts.

Unstoppable hot streak

A California man’s remarkable streak of good fortune included a California Lottery Scratchers ticket purchased at a convenience store in Santee.

After spending time with friends and winning $2,000 on a slot machine at a local casino, Bradley Bullock stopped to buy an energy drink and a few scratch-offs. Upon returning home, he scratched the Royal Riches game ticket and discovered he had won the top prize — $10 million. California Lottery officials confirmed that Bullock opted for the lump-sum payout of $5.8 million.

Bullock’s luck continued the following night. He revisited the same casino with a friend and they won a combined $29,000.

Best of the rest

Massive win in Massachusetts: Mass. State Lottery winner: $5 million grand prize claimed in crossword game

Cutting it close: Austin resident claims $2M Powerball prize 12 days before ticket expires

Didn’t get far: Arrest made in lottery ticket theft scheme across Fairfax County

NC Lottery keeps lottery fun: Play Smart program strengthened to help players keep lottery play fun

Check the prize box and see you next week!