Next Mega Millions Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The jackpot for this drawing is estimated at a staggering $421 million. If you opt for the cash option, the payout will be $196.4 million. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was on March 26, when a lucky player from New Jersey took home a massive $1.128 billion.
Winning Numbers for May 21, 2024
For those who participated in the May 21 drawing, the winning numbers were 2, 5, 8, 28, and 69, with the Mega Ball number being 14. The Megaplier for this drawing was 2x. If you matched these numbers, you could be the next big winner.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is simple. Each ticket costs $2, and for an additional $1, you can add the Megaplier, which can increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times. Players select five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from a range of 1 to 25 (Mega Ball). There is also a Quick Pick option for those who prefer random number selection. Importantly, there is no residency or citizenship requirement to purchase tickets.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, they are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. You can purchase tickets at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, some airport terminals, and online through Jackpocket in certain states.
Odds of Winning Mega Millions
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 302,575,350-to-1. The odds of matching all five white balls are about 12,607,306-to-1. While these odds may seem daunting, the potential payout makes it worth a try.
Payout Options for Mega Millions Winners
Mega Millions offers two payout options for jackpot winners. The annuity option is paid over time with an immediate payment followed by annual payments that increase by about five percent each year over a total of thirty years. The cash option is a lump sum payment that is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot amount but is paid immediately.
Next Powerball Drawing
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The jackpot for this drawing has grown to an estimated $100 million, with a cash value of $47 million. The previous drawing on May 20 did not produce a big winner for the estimated $88 million jackpot, nor were there any smaller winning tickets worth $1 million.
Winning Numbers for May 20, 2024
The winning numbers for the May 20 Powerball drawing were 1, 7, 48, 64, and 68, with the Powerball number being 5. The Power Play multiplier for this drawing was 2x. If you matched these numbers, you could be in for a significant prize.
How to Play Powerball
To play Powerball, each ticket costs $2. The Power Play option costs an additional $1 per play and can multiply winnings. To win the jackpot, you need to match all six numbers on your ticket. Smaller prizes can be won by matching five numbers or fewer combinations. The cutoff time for purchasing tickets is at 6:59 p.m. Arizona time on the night of the draw.
Where to Buy Powerball Tickets
You can use the “Where to Play” map on the Arizona Lottery website to find nearby stores selling Powerball tickets. The drawings are streamed live on the lottery website and may also air on local television stations.
Odds of Winning Powerball
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 292,201,338-to-1. While these odds are slightly better than those for Mega Millions, they still present a significant challenge. However, the potential rewards make it an exciting game to play.
Payout Options for Powerball Winners
Powerball also offers two payout options for jackpot winners. The annual payments option spreads the payout over 30 years, while the lump sum payment is just over half of the total amount. Both options have their advantages, depending on your financial goals and needs.
Previous Powerball Winners
A Florida lottery player won the $215 million Powerball jackpot on Monday, May 6, 2024. This win is one of the three Powerball jackpot prizes awarded in 2024. Previous winners of both Powerball and Mega Millions have broken into the top ten largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.
Additional Lottery Information
For those interested in other lottery games, the North Carolina Education Lottery also offers various options. The winning numbers for the May 20 drawing were 1, 7, 48, 64, and 68, with the Powerball number being 5. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. The next drawing is on Wednesday, May 22, with an estimated jackpot of $100 million or a cash value of $47 million.
Conclusion
With the next Mega Millions and Powerball drawings just around the corner, now is the perfect time to purchase your tickets. Whether you prefer the annuity option or the lump sum payment, the potential rewards are life-changing. Don’t miss your chance to become the next big winner. Check your numbers, buy your tickets, and stay tuned for the results. Good luck!
