Mega Millions players sitting on prizes worth $650k each – but a local rule meant their winnings were automatically cut

A local legislation dealt a shock to two lottery contestants who had defied the odds and won $650,000 in prizes each.

In the game of chance, the Californian players won the sum after matching five digits.

Normally, their achievement would have earned them $1 million, but instead they received $350,000 less.

According to The News & Observer, prizes in California are given out according to the quantity of winners and tickets sold.

The unnamed players purchased their tickets from 7-Eleven locations in the San Francisco region.

Additionally, the winning slips were purchased prior to the November 26 draw.

Neither a gambler won the draw on Friday nor on November 26.

With a $256 million cash option, the prize total currently stands at $541 million.

To match five numbers, gamblers have to overcome the odds, which are one in 12.6 million.

Players must beat the one in 302.6 million odds in order to win the prize.

The well-known game offers prizes ranging from $2 to the grand prize.

Players of Mega Millions will soon notice a number of modifications that will be implemented in the coming months.

Beginning in April, players will need to pay $5 to participate in the game of chance.

The price increase is just one of the upcoming changes, as officials have revealed that players will have a better chance of winning and that the pots will be larger.

Gamers will always win more than they pay because there won’t be any breakeven prizes.

“We are creating a game that both our existing players and people new to Mega Millions will love and get excited about playing,” Joshua Johnson, the lead director of the Mega Millions consortium, said.

Some gamers are not quite convinced, despite Johnson’s support for the price increase.

I think it s ridiculous, shopperCherylTreasvant told the ABC affiliateWXYZ-TV.

I have two regular ‘Megas’ that I play, but I play them online and then I get one easy pick, so that would be three tickets, $6 will go to $15…no.

Fellow shopper Pat Johnson doesn t believe a ticket is worth $5.

Do not forget to gamble sensibly.An individual who gambles responsibly is one who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn t gamble if they re upset, angry, or depressed

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gamblingonline.