Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Climb
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The jackpot has reached an estimated $453 million, with a cash option of $209.8 million. This follows a rollover from the previous drawing on Friday, May 24, where no one matched all six numbers. The winning numbers for that drawing were 46, 54, 56, 67, 70, and the Mega Ball was 16. The Megaplier was 3X.
How to Play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, you need to select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a pool of 1 to 25. Each ticket costs $2 per play. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier, which can increase non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. Drawings are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at approximately 10 p.m. CT. You can watch the drawings live on YouTube or check the results on the official Mega Millions website.
Recent Mega Millions Winners
In the recent past, there have been some significant winners. On Tuesday, May 21, a ticket in Louisiana matched five numbers plus the Megaplier, winning a $2 million prize. Another ticket in California matched five numbers, earning a $1 million prize. However, no one has hit the jackpot since March 29, when a lucky player in Neptune, New Jersey, won a staggering $1.13 billion.
Powerball Jackpot Also on the Rise
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024. The jackpot is currently estimated at $120 million, with a cash option of $56.1 million. The winning numbers for the last drawing on Wednesday, May 22, were 5, 16, 18, 26, 67, and the Powerball was 4. The Power Play multiplier was 3X.
How to Play Powerball
To play Powerball, you need to select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from a pool of 1 to 26. Each ticket costs $2 per play. For an additional $1, players can add the Power Play option, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to ten times. Drawings are held three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET. You can watch the drawings live on the Powerball website or check the results online.
Recent Powerball Winners
The last big Powerball jackpot was won on Monday, May 6, by a ticket sold in Florida. The winner took home a $215 million prize. Another significant win occurred in Idaho, where a ticket matched five numbers plus the Power Play, earning a $2 million prize. The current jackpot has been growing since the last big win, and many players are eagerly awaiting the next drawing.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302,575,350. However, there are multiple ways to win smaller prizes. For example, matching just the Mega Ball will win you $2, and matching one of the five numbers plus the Mega Ball will win you $4. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292,201,338. Like Mega Millions, Powerball also offers multiple ways to win smaller prizes, with the lowest prize being $4 for matching just the Powerball.
Claiming Your Prize
If you win a prize in either Mega Millions or Powerball, you have a limited time to claim it. In Florida, for example, prizes must be claimed within 180 days (six months) from the date of the drawing. For single-payment cash options, winners have 60 days to claim their prize after the draw date. It’s important to check the rules in your state to ensure you don’t miss out on your winnings.
Upcoming Drawings and How to Watch
The next Mega Millions drawing will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m. CT. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:59 p.m. ET. You can watch both drawings live on their respective websites or on YouTube. Make sure to purchase your tickets before the cutoff times to participate in these exciting events.
Where to Buy Tickets
Mega Millions and Powerball tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states. In some states, you can also buy tickets online. For example, in Pennsylvania, you can purchase Powerball tickets online at www.pailottery.com. In New Jersey, you can buy tickets at njlotto.com. Check the official websites for Mega Millions and Powerball to find authorized retailers and online purchase options in your state.
Tips for Playing Responsibly
While playing the lottery can be exciting, it’s important to play responsibly. Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on tickets and stick to it. Remember that the odds of winning the jackpot are very low, so don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. If you find that playing the lottery is causing financial stress or affecting your well-being, consider seeking help from a professional.
Conclusion
The upcoming Mega Millions and Powerball drawings offer the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. With the Mega Millions jackpot estimated at $453 million and the Powerball jackpot at $120 million, many players are eagerly awaiting the next drawings. Make sure to purchase your tickets before the cutoff times and tune in to watch the drawings live. Good luck!
