Mega Millions Jackpot Growth
The Mega Millions jackpot is currently growing, and excitement is building among lottery enthusiasts. A lucky winner in Illinois won the jackpot at the beginning of June, but the prize money for the upcoming Friday draw has already reached an impressive $116 million. If you opt for the cash option, the payout would be $55.4 million. This jackpot growth is a testament to the popularity and anticipation surrounding the Mega Millions lottery.
Drawing Details
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET on Friday. Winning this jackpot would represent the fifth-largest gaming prize and the largest since a $1.3 billion prize was won in Maine in January 2023. The largest ever Mega Millions prize was $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina in October 2018. As the jackpot grows, ticket sales increase, which further decreases one’s already small chances of winning. However, the allure of such a massive prize keeps players coming back for more.
Where to Buy Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, as well as in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, they are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawai’i, Nevada, and Utah. For those in states where tickets are sold, they can be purchased at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Additionally, in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C., tickets can be bought online by registering with local lotteries. This makes it convenient for players to participate in the lottery from the comfort of their homes.
Online Ticket Purchase
For those who prefer the convenience of online ticket purchases, several states offer this option. In Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C., players can buy tickets online by registering with their local lotteries. This allows players to easily participate in the Mega Millions lottery without having to visit a physical location. The online option is especially useful for those who may not have easy access to a ticket retailer.
Powerball Jackpot Overview
In addition to the Mega Millions, the Powerball jackpot is also making headlines. The combined jackpot total for the upcoming drawings is a staggering $1.294 billion. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Tuesday night, with a jackpot amount of $735 million, making it the sixth-largest ever. The cash payout option for this jackpot is $356.7 million. The last Powerball jackpot win was on January 1 by a single ticket in Michigan worth $842.4 million, with a cash value of $425.2 million.
Historical Context and Trends
The last Mega Millions jackpot win was in December 2023, shared by two tickets in California for a $394 million prize. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won was $1.602 billion in August 2023 by a single ticket from Neptune Beach, Florida. Similarly, the last Powerball win was the fifth-largest in its history and the tenth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever. U.S. lotteries have made contests tougher to win but have built enormous jackpots as a result. Both Mega Millions and Powerball had grand prize-winning jackpots exceeding $1 billion each for the first time ever in 2023.
Recent Winning Numbers
For those keeping track, last Friday’s winning Mega Millions numbers were 3, 8, 31, 35, and 44, with the Mega Ball being 16 and the Megaplier being 3X. In the Powerball drawing, the numbers were 1, 3, 7, 16, and 66, with the Powerball being 5. While there were no overall jackpot winners, there were several significant wins. In the Mega Millions drawing, there was a Match 5 + Megaplier winner in Virginia and Match 5 winners in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, and Texas.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Tickets cost $2 per play, and players pick five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a range of 1 to 25. For those who prefer not to choose their numbers, Easy Pick or Quick Pick options are available for random number selection by the terminal. The jackpot is won by matching all six winning numbers. Additionally, players can opt for the Megaplier feature, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times for an additional $1 per play. Before each regular drawing, one of fifteen balls is drawn to determine the multiplier, with five marked “2X,” three “4X,” and one “5X.”
Responsible Gambling Information
It’s important to remember that lottery games are a form of gambling, and responsible play is crucial. Players must be 18 years or older to participate (21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska). The Jackpocket app, which allows users to pick lottery games and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings via phone or home computer, is not affiliated with any state lottery. For those who may have gambling problems, helpline contacts are provided, including HOPE NY (467369) for New York, 800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, 877-MY-LIMIT for Oregon, 800-981-0023 for Puerto Rico, and 800-GAMBLER for all other states.
Upcoming Drawings
The next Mega Millions drawing is on Friday, April 26, with an estimated jackpot of $228 million or a $103.4 million cash option. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. ET every Tuesday and Friday. In New York, tickets can be purchased in-store and online until 10 p.m. on the night of the draw. In New Jersey and Connecticut, ticket sales are available until 10:45 p.m. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Tuesday night, with a jackpot amount of $735 million and a cash payout option of $356.7 million.
Conclusion
With both Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots reaching impressive amounts, the excitement among lottery players is palpable. Whether you choose to buy your tickets in-store or online, the opportunity to win life-changing sums of money is just a draw away. Remember to play responsibly and good luck!
