Connecticut Shopper Wins $2 Million from Mega Millions–Jackpot Hits $714 Million

Connecticut Shopper Snags $2 Million from Mega Millions While Jackpot Soars to $714 Million

One lucky player in Connecticut is suddenly a millionaire after Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing–but just shy of hitting the jaw-dropping jackpot. The massive top prize stayed untouched, pushing the next jackpot to an eye-popping $714 million or $334.1 million in cash if someone decides to take the lump sum.

The winning numbers for the October 24 draw were 11, 18, 31, 51, 56 and the Mega Ball was 24. The Connecticut ticket matched all five main numbers but missed the Mega Ball by just one. That tiny miss meant losing out on hundreds of millions–but thanks to a 2x Megaplier, the player still walked away with a cool $2 million. Not bad for a quick stop at the Stop & Shop on Lake Avenue in Danbury, where the winning ticket was sold. As of now, the millionaire hasn’t stepped forward to claim the prize.

Other players didn’t walk away empty-handed. Twelve folks hit four white balls plus the Mega Ball, landing some solid five-figure wins. With the Megaplier in play, seven of them grabbed $20,000, two scored $30,000 each, one took $40,000 and another pair pocketed $50,000 each.

Lottery officials say excitement is building as the jackpot continues to grow. The next drawing is set for Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET,, and with $714 million up for grabs, ticket sales are expected to skyrocket.

The Connecticut win follows another near-miss in Illinois just days earlier. That player also nailed all the main numbers but missed the Mega Ball, scoring a $3 million payout thanks to their 3x multiplier. The lucky ticket was sold at a Bull Valley Trio gas station in McHenry, Illinois and the store’s staff say they’re hoping the winner turns out to be one of their regulars.