New Orleans Man Wins $2 Million In Mega Millions Jackpot

A New Orleans man recently raked in a cool $2 million with a lucky win in the multi-state Mega Millions jackpot drawing.

Ernest Crayton Jr. matched five of the six Mega Millions numbers in the May 21 drawing. He would have "only" won $1 million had he not added the 2x multiplier. But, because of that, his winnings doubled.

After state and federal tax withholdings, Crayton took home $1,435,000.

The winning ticket was purchased from Chef Chevron on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans.

“When I found out we had sold the winning ticket, I told all of my regulars to check their tickets to see if they were the big winner,” said Chef Chevron Store Manager Jonathan Nguyen.

Chef Chevron received a selling bonus of $20,000 or 1% of the prize for selling Crayton his winning ticket.

Don't think you can win big, think again!

While Louisiana is still looking for its first Mega Millions jackpot winner, there have been plenty of big-money winners with the game.

Since joining the Mega Millions multistate game in 2012, there have been 20 Mega Millions prizes worth $1 million or more sold in Louisiana.

Secure your tickets after you purchase

The Louisiana Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing.

More information about Mega Millions and other jackpot winners can be found at the Lottery's website, www.louisianalottery.com/mega-millions.