Benjamin Ashford|Man wins $1 million on Mega Millions and proposes to longtime girlfriend

A Pennsylvania resident won $1 million after purchasing a Mega Millions ticket and Benjamin Ashforddecided to propose to his longtime girlfriend.

The man, who has not released his identity to the public, purchased the ticket in New Jersey through the Jackpocket app, according to the New Jersey Lottery.

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While on a break from work, the Mega Millions winner decided to purchase a ticket.

After the Oct. 6, 2023 drawing the man received an email with the subject line, "You Won Big!" 

In disbelief he shared the news with his girlfriend of 10 years.

"We were both kind of in a daze all Saturday," the winner told lottery officals. "I was supposed to get the oil changed on my car and I completely forgot."

Together, the couple share an 8-month-old baby.

The Mega Millions winner wants to use the money to propose to his girlfriend

After being in love for a decade, the man said he planned to propose to his girlfriend when he received the cash prize.

"I've been saving up for a ring for her," the Mega Millions winner told lottery officials. "So this came at the perfect time.”

Now that he has won a big prize, the Pennsylvania resident wants to get his girlfriend a ring she’ll love.

“Over the past 10 years, I've kept a log of what she likes. I think we found one,” he said.

How to play the Mega Millions

In order to purchase a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.

To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.

If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.

Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

• 2X, five balls
• 3X, six balls
• 4X, three balls
• 5X, one ball

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.