BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Seventeen days after splitting the second largest lottery jackpot in United States history, the Idaho Lottery today has confirmed that their winner, Holly Lahti, has elected to take the one-time lump sum cash option for her Mega Millions winnings. In doing so, she will collect $120,025,268.50 before federal and state taxes and become the Idaho Lottery's 27th millionaire and the second largest winner from Idaho.

"We often say in Idaho that every play pays. Whenever someone plays the Idaho Lottery, the entire state wins ÔÇô our retailers, our players, and our beneficiaries the public schools and the State's permanent building fund," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "Congratulations Idaho!"

As required by law, the Idaho Lottery will withhold $30,006,317.13 in Federal Income Tax and another $9,361,970.94 in Idaho Income Tax from Lahti's winnings. The final amount paid to Ms. Lahti, who claimed her ticket on January 11, 2011, is $80,656,980.44.

Idaho state income tax collection on Lottery winnings began in calendar year 1998. Since that time, and including Lahti's win, Idaho has collected more than $25.1 million in Lottery related income tax revenues.

The historic Mega Millions jackpot run began at $12 million for the November 12, 2010 draw. The jackpot grew to near record amounts over the next 16 draws without a jackpot winner before reaching $380 million on January 4, 2011. During that time, not including Lahti's win, 40,828 Idaho Lottery players won more than $500,000 playing Mega Millions.

The jackpot amount for Mega Millions for Friday night's draw is an estimated $51 million. The jackpot for Powerball for Saturday night is an estimated $118 million.

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