The $348 Million Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About Virginia's Largest Mega Millions Winner

The pursuit of instant, life-changing wealth is a universal dream, and for one lucky Virginian, that dream became a record-breaking reality in 2025. The Virginia Lottery confirmed on that the winner of the state’s largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot—a staggering $348 million—has officially claimed their prize, electing to remain completely anonymous under the state's new privacy laws. This monumental win not only reset the record books for the Commonwealth but also provided a fascinating, and surprisingly modest, detail about the winner's first planned purchase: a simple lawnmower.

This article dives deep into the fresh, unique, and often surprising details surrounding the colossal June 2025 Mega Millions drawing, the specific location where the winning ticket was purchased, the massive tax implications of a nine-figure windfall, and the critical new law that allowed the winner to keep their identity a complete secret. From a small gas station in Burgess to a net worth of nearly $90 million, here is the full breakdown of Virginia’s biggest lottery story.

The Record-Shattering $348 Million Virginia Mega Millions Jackpot: A Full Profile

The Mega Millions drawing on June 27, 2025, will forever be etched in Virginia Lottery history. The colossal $348 million jackpot was the largest single prize ever won in the Commonwealth, eclipsing all previous records. The winning numbers—18, 21, 29, 42, 50, and the Mega Ball 2—matched a single ticket sold in a small, unsuspecting town, turning one individual into an instant multi-millionaire.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Jackpot Amount: $348 Million (Annuity Value)
• Drawing Date: June 27, 2025
• Winning Numbers: 18-21-29-42-50 and Mega Ball 2
• Location of Purchase: E & C Enterprises VA650 (also known as E&C Mid Atlantic or E&C gas station)
• Address: 14878 Northumberland Hwy, Burgess, VA 22432
• Winner Status: Anonymous (Protected by new state law)
• Prize Claimed: Lump-Sum Cash Option
• Winner's First Purchase: A lawnmower (as told to Virginia Lottery officials)

The winning ticket was purchased at E & C Enterprises VA650, a gas station located on Northumberland Highway in the small community of Burgess. This location is now permanently famous, and as is customary, the retailer who sold the winning ticket will receive a substantial bonus from the Virginia Lottery for their role in the record-breaking transaction. The sheer magnitude of the win has brought national attention to this quiet corner of Northumberland County, Virginia.

The Financial Reality: Lump-Sum Payout and The Tax Avalanche

While the advertised jackpot was a massive $348 million, that figure represents the annuity option, paid out over 30 years. Like most major lottery winners, the Virginia player opted for the immediate, one-time cash payment, which is a significantly lower figure but provides instant control over the entire sum. This choice immediately triggered a massive tax liability, illustrating the true financial journey of a Mega Millions winner.

The Cash Option and Pre-Tax Value

The cash value of the $348 million jackpot was approximately $155.5 million. This is the figure the winner started with before any money was withheld for taxes. The decision to take the lump sum is common for those who wish to invest the money immediately, but it also means the winner must manage the entire amount and its tax burden at once.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The Federal and State Tax Breakdown

Winning a major lottery prize subjects the payout to both federal and state income taxes. The tax obligations on a prize of this size are astronomical, significantly reducing the final take-home amount. The breakdown for the $348 million Mega Millions winner in Virginia looked like this:

• Federal Tax Withholding: The winner was subject to the highest federal income tax rate, which is 37%. This massive deduction was taken off the $155.5 million cash value.
• Virginia State Tax: Virginia assesses a state income tax on lottery winnings, taking a 5.75% cut of the prize.
• Total Estimated Net Payout: After both federal and state taxes were withheld, the winner’s net payout was estimated to be around $89 million.

While $89 million is a life-altering sum, the difference between the $348 million headline and the final $89 million in the bank highlights the critical need for immediate, high-level financial planning, including the hiring of tax professionals, estate planners, and wealth management experts. This "tax avalanche" is a crucial aspect of every major lottery win and a key entity in the world of lottery finance.

The Lawnmower and the Power of Anonymity in Virginia

Perhaps the most unique and humanizing detail of the entire saga was the winner's surprisingly modest first purchase. When asked by Virginia Lottery officials about their plans, the anonymous winner reportedly stated they were going to buy a lawnmower. This small, relatable detail quickly went viral, contrasting sharply with the nine-figure sum and providing a moment of levity amidst the financial shock.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Virginia's New Anonymity Law (House Bill 1799)

The ability of the $348 million winner to remain completely anonymous is the result of a significant and very recent change in Virginia law. For years, Virginia Lottery winners were required to have their names, hometowns, and prize amounts released to the public. However, in a major shift toward winner privacy, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed House Bill 1799 into law on March 18, 2025.

This new legislation prohibits the Virginia Lottery from disclosing the name, address, or any other identifying information of an individual lottery winner if the prize value is above a certain threshold. This law was a direct response to concerns over the safety, privacy, and unsolicited requests that often plague major lottery winners. The June 2025 Mega Millions winner was one of the first major jackpot winners to fully benefit from this new protection, allowing them to manage their newfound wealth away from the public eye.

The Future of Winning in the Commonwealth

The implementation of House Bill 1799 marks a new era for the Virginia Lottery. Prospective players are now assured that if they beat the astronomical Mega Millions odds—which are approximately 1 in 302.6 million for the jackpot—they can do so without sacrificing their personal security or privacy. This change is expected to encourage more people to play, knowing that their identity is protected.

The $348 million win serves as a powerful case study, not just in luck, but in the serious financial and legal considerations that come with a massive windfall. It underscores the importance of the cash option calculation, the unavoidable tax liabilities, and the immense value of winner anonymity. Whether the winner is truly just buying a new lawnmower or quietly building a financial empire, their story remains the freshest and most fascinating chapter in the history of the Virginia Lottery.