On Monday, January 9, 2023, a group of nine individuals from across the Treasure Valley (Idaho) claimed the $1,000,000 Mega Millions winning ticket from the November 15, 2022, draw. Dubbed “The Big Friend Group,” the nine long-time friends have been playing as a pool for about twelve years. They purchase their tickets once a month as a group with each member buying a single line per draw.

“We each take turns buying tickets every month,” explained Winner #1. “Each ticket has 9 lines, so every member can participate. We’ve been friends for 12 years now, and this is a fun way for us to keep in contact. Of course, we never thought we’d win this big!”

The group did not immediately check their winners from November. Once they saw news stories about the outstanding ticket in December, the group checked their tickets and realized they had the big winner. After everyone returned from their holiday vacations, they claimed their prize. The consensus among the group was that to win you had to buy at least one ticket.

Their million dollar winning ticket was purchased at Jacksons #195 in Boise, giving 8 of the friends a prize of $111,100, and 1 friend (the one who purchased the ticket) $111,200.