Winning Numbers for July 16, 2024
The latest Mega Millions drawing took place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with a jackpot of $226 million. The winning numbers were 5, 35, 42, 58, 66, and the Mega Ball was 22. The Megaplier for this drawing was 2x. Despite the excitement, no tickets matched all six numbers, causing the jackpot to continue its climb.
Previous Jackpot Win
The last time the Mega Millions jackpot was won was on June 4, 2024. A player in Illinois took home a staggering $552 million, marking the ninth largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. This win has kept lottery enthusiasts on their toes, eagerly awaiting the next big winner.
Powerball Jackpot Information
While the Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow, the Powerball jackpot is also making headlines. The current Powerball jackpot stands at $75 million, with a cash option of $36 million. The winning numbers for the most recent Powerball drawing on Monday night were 9, 31, 39, 40, 45, and the Powerball was 23. The Power Play multiplier was 3x.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players have the option to add the Megaplier for an additional $1. This feature can increase non-jackpot prizes by up to five times. To play, participants select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from a pool of 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.
Ticket Purchase Options and Availability
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, tickets can be bought online through the Jackpocket app in certain states. However, it’s important to note that Mega Millions is not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Odds of Winning the Lottery
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately one in 302.6 million. For those aiming to match all five white balls, the odds are about one in 12. While these odds may seem daunting, the allure of a massive jackpot keeps players coming back.
Payout Options Explained
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot have two payout options: the annuity option and the cash option. The annuity option involves an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, each increasing by 5% per year. The cash option, on the other hand, is a lump sum payment that is significantly lower than the advertised jackpot amount.
Anonymity for Winners
Anonymity for lottery winners varies by state. Some states allow winners to remain anonymous, while others require the disclosure of the winner’s name and hometown. This can be a crucial factor for winners who wish to maintain their privacy.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
While the text references top jackpots, it does not list them specifically. However, it’s worth noting that the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.537 billion, won by a single ticket in South Carolina in October 2018. This remains the largest lottery prize ever won by a single ticket in U.S. history.
Largest U.S. Lottery Jackpots Ever
The largest U.S. lottery jackpots have been split between Mega Millions and Powerball. The record for the largest jackpot in U.S. history is held by the Powerball, with a $1.586 billion prize won in January 2016. This jackpot was shared by three winning tickets from California, Florida, and Tennessee.
Jackpocket App Details
The Jackpocket app is the official digital lottery courier service for the USA TODAY Network. It allows users to pick their games and numbers, place orders, see their tickets, and collect winnings via their phone or computer. This app provides a convenient way for players to participate in the lottery without having to visit a physical location.
Responsible Gambling
It’s important to remember that gambling should be done responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) in New York, 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT in Oregon, or 1-800-GAMBLER in all other states.
Claiming Prizes in Florida
In Florida, lottery prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the date of the drawing. For single-payment cash options, winners must claim their prize within the first sixty days after the applicable draw date. Florida law mandates the disclosure of information such as the winner’s name, city of residence, game won, date won, and amount won. However, names of lottery winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater are temporarily exempt from public disclosure for ninety days unless waived by the winner.
Arizona Lottery Overview
The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5, and Pick 3. Additionally, the lottery offers Scratchers, Quick Draw, and Fast Play. Recent jackpots have been among the top 10 largest in U.S. lottery history. The money raised from the Arizona Lottery supports higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation, and economic and business development in the state.
Claiming Lottery Prizes in Arizona
In Arizona, retailers can redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners must submit their winning tickets by mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. The Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office can cash prizes of any amount, while the Tucson and Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Offices can cash prizes up to $49,999. The Kingman Arizona Lottery Office, located inside Walmart, can also cash prizes up to $49,999.
Conclusion
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continues to grow as players eagerly await the next big winner. With jackpots reaching staggering amounts, the allure of winning big keeps lottery enthusiasts coming back. Whether you play in person or through the Jackpocket app, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.
