Illinois Mega Millions Ticket Wins $3 Million Amid $680 Million Jackpot Rise

A Mega Millions ticket purchased at Bull Valley Trio in McHenry, Illinois, won a $3 million prize after matching all five white ball numbers but missing the Mega Ball in the October 21 drawing, with a 3X multiplier tripling the prize. The store, which recently sold a $10,000 winning scratch-off ticket, will receive a $30,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The Mega Millions jackpot has since risen to $680 million for the upcoming October 24 drawing, marking it as one of the largest jackpots in the game's history. Mega Millions tickets cost $5 each and include a randomly assigned multiplier improving all non-jackpot prizes, with players needing to be 18 or older to participate. The Illinois Lottery encourages winners to sign their tickets and keep them safe until claiming prizes, which must be done within one year of the draw. The odds of winning the jackpot are extremely low, but recent game changes have improved lower-tier prize values and slightly increased winning chances.