11
Lucky Redding Ticket Hits 5-Figure SuperLotto Jackpot
Someone in Northern California Just Missed a $37 Million Jackpot — But Still Won $40,000!
TL;DR: A lottery ticket sold in Redding, CA matched 5 out of 6 numbers in the SuperLotto Plus drawing on August 2nd. The jackpot rolls over to $43 million for the next drawing on August 5th.
What Happened?
Imagine picking five numbers correctly in a giant game of bingo — but missing the one special "mega number" that would have won you the giant jackpot. That’s exactly what happened to one lucky ticket holder in Northern California!
Here’s the quick rundown:
- Drawing date: Saturday, August 2
- Jackpot at the time: $37 million
- Winning numbers: 29, 30, 37, 41, 44 + Mega Number: 18
- This ticket matched: All 5 regular numbers but missed the mega number
- Prize won: $40,297 (still a very nice payday!)
- Where it was sold: Chevron station at 1750 Pleasant St., Redding, CA
Where Is the Jackpot Now?
Since nobody matched all six numbers, the jackpot rolls over and gets even bigger!
| Next Drawing | Estimated Jackpot | Cash Value (if you take it all at once) |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 5 | $43 million | ~$18.7 million |
Fun Fact: The last time someone won the SuperLotto Plus jackpot was March 28 — a ticket in Fremont won $10 million.
Wait, What Is SuperLotto Plus? (ELI5 Version)
Think of it like a twice-a-week raffle run by the state of California.
- You buy a $1 ticket.
- You pick 5 numbers (from 1 to 47) plus 1 "Mega Number" (from 1 to 27).
- Drawings happen every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:45 PM.
- To win the JACKPOT: Your 5 numbers + your Mega Number must ALL match the drawn numbers.
- Smaller prizes exist for matching fewer numbers (like the $40k winner who matched 5 but not the Mega).
Important Callout: The Odds Are… Long
Your chance of hitting the jackpot is 1 in 41,416,353.
Translation: You’re more likely to be struck by lightning while singing "Happy Birthday." Play for fun, not as a retirement plan!
How Do I Check If I Won?
Don’t toss that ticket in a drawer! Here are 4 easy ways to check:
- Website: Visit the California Lottery winning numbers page.
- Mobile App: Download the official California Lottery app (iOS / Android).
- Scan It: Use the "Check-A-Ticket" feature inside the app — just point your camera at the ticket.
- In-Store: Scan your ticket at a Check-A-Ticket machine at any lottery retailer.
How Do I Claim My Prize?
It depends on how much you won:
Prizes $599 or Less
Walk into any participating lottery retailer (gas station, grocery store, etc.) and they’ll hand you cash on the spot.
Prizes $600 or More
You have two options:
- Visit a District Office: Find one near you at the California Lottery District Offices page.
- Claim by Mail: Follow instructions on the official claim page.
DEADLINE ALERT: You have 180 days (about 6 months) from the drawing date to claim your prize. After that, the money goes to California public schools!
Quick Summary
- A ticket sold at a Chevron in Redding matched 5 numbers in the Aug 2 SuperLotto Plus drawing.
- It missed the Mega Number (18), so it won $40,297 instead of the $37M jackpot.
- The jackpot rolls to $43M for the Aug 5 drawing.
- Tickets cost $1; drawings are Wed & Sat at 7:45 PM.
- Check tickets via website, app, scanner, or in-store.
- Claim <$600 at retailers; ≥$600 at district offices or by mail within 180 days.
- Play responsibly — odds of jackpot are 1 in 41+ million.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "Mega Number" mean?
It’s a separate, special number (1–27) drawn from a different pool than the main 5 numbers (1–47). You must match it to win the jackpot. Matching the 5 main numbers without the Mega wins a nice secondary prize (like $40k!).
2. Can I buy tickets online?
No. California does not currently sell draw-game tickets (like SuperLotto Plus) online or via the app. You must buy a paper ticket at a licensed retailer (convenience store, gas station, supermarket).
3. What if I lose my winning ticket?
Treat it like cash. If you lose a unsigned ticket and someone else finds it, they can claim the prize. Sign the back immediately after buying! For prizes ≥$600, you also need a claim form and ID.
4. Where does the money go if nobody claims a prize?
Unclaimed prizes don’t go back to the lottery — they go to California public education (K-12 schools, community colleges, etc.). Since 1985, the Lottery has given over $41 billion to schools!
5. I think I might have a gambling problem. Where can I get help?
You’re not alone, and help is free & confidential 24/7:
- Call or Text: 1-800-522-4700 (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
- Visit: ncpgambling.org/help-treatment
- California-specific: CalGETS offers free counseling.
Play Smart. Play Fun. Good Luck!
