Mega Millions Ticket Worth $1.2 Billion Redeemed in California, Winner’s Identity Revealed

Posted on: March 20, 2025, 01:32h. 

Last updated on: March 20, 2025, 02:02h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • The Mega Millions ticket that won the December 2024 jackpot has been redeemed
  • Rosemary Casarotti won the life-changing prize
  • Casarotti chose the one-time cash option

The winning ticket of the Mega Millions drawing on Dec. 27, 2024, worth more than $1.2 billion, has been redeemed in California.

Mega Millions jackpot ticket California Lottery
The Circle K where a winning Mega Millions jackpot ticket was sold in December 2024. The woman who purchased the life-changing play came forward this week in California. (Image: Casino.org)

During the 2024 holiday season, the Mega Millions jackpot rolled over several times until a lucky ticket sold at the Circle K Sunshine Food and Gas convenience store in Cottonwood, Calif., snagged the lottery game’s top prize. Though the winner had up to a year to come forward, Rosemary Casarotti redeemed her life-changing payout this week.

Casarotti opted for the one-time lump sum option of more than $571 million instead of the advertised $1.2 billion jackpot, which would have been paid out over 30 annual distributions in the form of an annuity. The cash is before federal taxes of 37%, which will reduce her net payout to around $360 million.

While California doesn’t consider lottery winnings as taxable income, a great benefit to major winners like Casarotti, the state does require that jackpot winners allow their names to become part of the public record. Casarotti opted not to attend a ceremony hosted by the California Lottery at the Circle K  where state officials disclosed her name.

Lottery Winner ‘Grateful’ 

The California Lottery prohibits lottery winners from remaining anonymous to ensure the public’s trust in its operations. Twenty-one states allow lottery winners to keep their identities private.

Other than her name, however, Casarotti can keep the rest of her personal information concealed. Public records show she’s in her 60s but not much else is known about her.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary by phone following her win, and I can tell you with certainty how grateful she is and how happy she is to have won this money and to have supported public schools,” said California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker. 

The California Lottery supports K-12 public schools, as well as colleges and universities. During the four-month run leading up to the December 27 Mega Millions jackpot, the California Lottery said it raised $89.5 million for public schools from ticket sales.

“We offer Rosemary our heartfelt congratulations for her historic win and our gratitude for her part in supporting the California Lottery’s mission to provide extra money for public education,” added California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill Chima.

Circle K a Big Winner, Too

For selling the Mega Millions ticket, the local Cottonwood Circle K collected a $1 million commission.

It’s an amazing feeling to know that our store played a part in making lottery history,” said Ishar Gill, whose family owns and operates the Circle K in Cottonwood. “Our customers are the heart of our business, and we’re grateful to be a part of such an amazing community.”

Casarotti’s Mega Millions jackpot ranks as the ninth-richest in US history, and the fifth-richest in Mega Millions history. Mega Millions dates back to 1996 when it debuted as The Big Game.

The odds of a single ticket matching the five white balls and gold Mega ball are 1 in 302,575,350. Mega Millions is $2 to play until next month when basic gameplay will more than double to $5. However, the Megaplier, currently a $1 add-on option, will be included in all tickets.