The winner of Kansas’ largest jackpot prize ever has claimed a share of the $656 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot.

But officials with the Kansas Lottery say the winner has chosen to remain anonymous.

 

Kansas Lottery authorities presented an oversized check for an estimated $218 million to a cardboard cutout figure with a smiley-face and the words “anonymous jackpot winner” printed on its chest.

Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery Dennis Wilson said in a press conference at Lottery headquarters the person purchased the ticket at Casey’s General Store, 940 N. Main St., in Ottawa.

For selling a jackpot-winning ticket, Casey’s 2668 will receive a $10,000 selling bonus from the Kansas Lottery. Robert Pizzini, District Manager, was present at the press conference to accept the bonus check for the convenience store.

The winner had the choice of taking the annuity option of $218.6 million, which is paid in 26 installments, or the cash option of $157.9 million paid in one lump sum. After taxes the winner will receive a check for $110.5 million.

Federal income withholding taxes (25%) on the prize are $39,470,517.50; state income withholding taxes (5%) amount to $7,894,103.50; bringing the total taxes withheld to $47,364,621.00.

The jackpot amount was originally estimated at $640 million but with sales from all 44 Mega Millions jurisdictions calculated and totaled, the final jackpot amount for the drawing came to $656 million dollars. That record-shattering amount was the result of unprecedented sales in all jurisdictions where Mega Millions is played.

The other tickets were bought in Illinois and Maryland.