Winning billion-dollar lottery ticket sold in California

The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K shop (Richard Vogel/AP)

At least one US lottery player has plenty to celebrate as they ring in the new year after winning an estimated $1.22bn (€1.17bn) on Friday’s Mega Millions draw.

After three months without anyone securing the top prize, the winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6.