$93 Million Mega Millions Jackpot Biggest in Washington History

13 November 2002

What he and his wife, Patricia, really want may sound simple, but the Warrens know that simple things are often what matter most.

It's a matter of perspective. And, from the Warrens' perspective, what matters most is home, family, and community. Winners of Washington state's first Mega Millions Jackpot prize, the Warrens may purchase a home in which to spend their retirement. And giving back is something their Hoquiam community can bank on. The Warrens' long-time support of a Hoquiam food bank won't change, but the level of their support just might.

"Life will definitely change. We just don't know how," said Richard Warren at a Tuesday news conference. "We have been very fortunate in our life and do not need a lot of material things."

Whatever they need--or want--the Warrens can count on their record Lottery win to secure. The couple arrived Tuesday at Washington Lottery Headquarters in Olympia, Wash. to claim the state's all-time record Jackpot, which nearly tripled the previous top prize, a $32 million Lotto prize in October 2000. Warren, 70, is the sole winner of the estimated $93 million Mega Millions Jackpot for the Friday, November 8, drawing. His winning ticket was sold Friday at Swanson's Food, at 915 Simpson Ave. in Hoquiam.

"They have a great batting average for winners at Swanson's," Pat Warren said.

There's nothing average about the payment Warren will receive for his Jackpot-winning ticket. He elected to take the Cash Option for a lump sum of approximately 50-percent of the estimated Jackpot. After sales in all 10 Mega Millions states were counted, Warren is the winner of an estimated $55,450,000. After 27-percent federal tax withholding, he will receive an estimated $40,478,500. He was presented with a check for $2,628,000 and will be issued the balance of the Jackpot payment within 10 business days.

The manager of Swanson's Food in Hoquiam today also collected the first Washington Lottery retailer bonus check of $25,000 for selling a Jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket. Swanson's employees are excited to be the first retailer to sell a Jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket barely two months after the game launched in Washington on September 4, 2002.

"It's exciting for the whole town, and I think the winners will be generous people because they've been active volunteers with community programs in Hoquiam for many years," said Doug King, Swanson's store manager and a 43-year employee of the grocery chain.

"The fact that my store could win is incredible because of the odds. Think of how many stores are involved in 10 states. For a Hoquiam store to win this $25,000 bonus is tremendous. You wouldn't think this could happen here," King added.

This Mega Millions win is a bonus that touches more than retailers and players.

"This is exciting news for Lottery retailers, players and, in fact, everyone in Washington. We feel like the Lottery won big, too, with our first Washington Mega Millions Jackpot winner so soon after the launch of the game in this state," said Lottery Director Tony Molica. "We're extremely happy for the Warrens, knowing that they really can buy whatever they want. And we're delighted for Washington, knowing that the success of Mega Millions means more support for education and other vital state programs."

Washington is the first state west of the Mississippi to join Mega Millions, and players now have the chance twice-a-week to win Jackpots with the potential to reach $300 million or more based on ticket sales in all participating states. Tickets for the Mega Millions game cost $1 per play and are sold exclusively in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington.