One US city is in a frenzy after one incredibly lucky player won a jaw-dropping $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot - the equivalent to €1.3 billion.
The fortunate player bought their lottery ticket at an Illinois petrol station and was the one and only winner of the third largest jackpot in US history.
According to the director of the Illinois Lottery, Harold Mays, the ticket was sold at a Speedy Café Speedway in Des Plaines, Illinois.
READ MORE: Lotto results: One lucky Irish player scoops big prize as €5m jackpot rolls over
Speaking during a press conference this morning, he said: “We have not heard from the winner yet.
“We don’t know whether or not they’re aware they’ve won a prize. So I encourage everyone to check your ticket.”
The mystery winner has 12 months from the draw date to claim their Mega-prize, and 60 days to choose the cash option or annual payments.
The interest in the rising pot among punters was so great that it jumped by nearly $60 million overnight on Friday - before the results were announced early this morning - US time.
Other lucky winners included a second place ticket purchased at New Way Deli & Lottery Corp. on East Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx worth a life-changing $1,000,002.
“We feel lucky,” a worker at the deli who goes by the name Big Al, “It’s the second time. It’s a beautiful thing.”
“Lightning usually doesn’t strike in the same spot. Hopefully next time it’ll be the big one,” added the worker, who recalled a winning lottery ticket also worth $1 million being sold there five years back.
The winner has the option to receive the $1.34 billion over the course of 29 years, or a lump sum of $780 million cash prize, excluding taxes, Mays confirmed.
The owners of the Illinois gas station where the winning ticket was sold will be given a $500,000 “selling bonus,” he added.
READ NEXT:
Five-star Irish hotel introduces bargain deal for two nights including afternoon tea for under €300
Gardai show locations of checkpoints and speed vans in warning to motorists
Gardai believe man was lured to house before he was brutally beaten with hatchet
Irish residents say Donald Trump is always welcome as former US President set for visit
Businesswoman and RTE host Aine Kerr says Ireland needs to be in 'state of readiness' for recession
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
