New York (CNN) -- The single largest winning lottery ticket ever sold in New York's Mega Millions drawing has been claimed, a lottery spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The winners of the $319 million lottery are rumored to be seven IT specialists from New York state's Division of Housing and Community Renewal, said Emanuel Biondi, a public employees federation council leader for the agency.
However, a New York Lottery spokesman could not confirm that report.
The winner or winners -- who bought the ticket at an Albany, New York, convenience store -- are expected to be announced during a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, said New York Lottery spokeswoman Carolyn Hapeman.
Lottery officials are currently working to authenticate the winning ticket, she added.
The drawing was held Friday night. Last-minute ticket sales increased the jackpot from $312 million to $319 million, the New York Lottery said.
If the winners chose the cash option when buying the ticket, they will receive a one-time, lump-sum payment of $202.9 million. That amount reflects all the cash in the Mega Millions pool and is the sixth-largest jackpot in its history, according to Hapeman.
It's also the single largest sole jackpot-winning ticket ever for Mega Millions sold in New York, she said.
Friday night's winning numbers were 22, 24, 31, 52 and 54. The Mega Ball number was 4.
Those holding the winning ticket will be able to collect the prize money Monday morning in the Schenectady, New York, office, Hapeman said.
Mega Millions is played in 42 states and is the biggest jackpot game in the country, according to the lottery.
