Mega Millions Winning Numbers for May 31, 2024
The latest Mega Millions drawing took place on Friday, May 31, 2024, with an estimated jackpot of $522 million. The winning numbers were 4, 11, 23, 33, 49, and the Mega Ball was 23. The Megaplier for this drawing was 4x. Despite the excitement, no one matched all six numbers, causing the jackpot to continue its climb.
Jackpot Details and Cash Option
The estimated jackpot for the May 31 drawing was a staggering $522 million, with a cash option of $240.8 million. This significant prize has been growing since the last jackpot win on March 26, when a player from New Jersey won an impressive $1.128 billion. The current Powerball jackpot stands at $161 million, with a cash option of $74 million.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 25 (Mega Ball). Alternatively, players can opt for a Quick Pick for random numbers. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.
Eligibility and Purchase Locations
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident of the state where you purchase your ticket. Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, some airport terminals, or online through Jackpocket in certain states. Mega Millions is available in all states except Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. It is also available in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Prize Information and Odds of Winning
Matching just the Mega Ball wins $2, while matching all five white balls wins up to $1 million (except in California). The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 302.6 million, and the odds of matching all five white balls are approximately one in 12. The Mega Millions website provides detailed prize payout information.
Payout Options for Winners
Winners can choose between annuity payments over time or a lump sum cash payment, which is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot but paid immediately. Some states allow winners to remain anonymous, so it is essential to check with your state lottery for specific rules.
Top Jackpots and Historical Data
Lists of the top ten Mega Millions jackpots ever won and the largest U.S. lottery jackpots between Powerball and Mega Millions are available online. The Mega Millions website also offers a complete list of payout information and other details, such as the most commonly drawn numbers and top jackpots in history.
Purchasing Deadlines and Responsible Gambling
Deadlines for purchasing tickets vary by state, typically ranging from fifteen minutes to an hour before drawing time. For third-party apps like Jackpocket in New Jersey, deadlines may be closer to two hours before drawing time. It is crucial to play responsibly, and gambling problem helplines are available for those in need. For example, you can call or text HOPE NY (467369) for New York, call 1-800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, call 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, or call 1-800-GAMBLER for other states.
Recent Lottery Winners
This year has already seen two billion-dollar lottery jackpot winners. In March, a ticket in New Jersey won a $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot. In April, a Powerball ticket in Oregon hit a jackpot worth more than $1.3 billion. These massive wins have fueled excitement and anticipation for future drawings.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest information on Mega Millions and other lottery games, visit the official Mega Millions website. You can also follow news updates and announcements on various news platforms. Additionally, KUSA offers push notifications for the latest news and weather updates, which can be turned off anytime in browser settings.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow as no one claimed the $522 million prize in the latest drawing. With the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, the excitement and anticipation are sure to build. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, remember to play responsibly and stay informed about the latest developments. Good luck to all future participants!
