Mega Millions Jackpot Remains Unclaimed
The Mega Millions lottery drawing on December 3, 2024, offered a staggering jackpot of $541 million. Despite the excitement, no one managed to match all six numbers to claim the grand prize. The winning numbers were 52, 60, 61, 66, and 67, with the Mega Ball being 23. The Megaplier was 4X, which could have significantly increased non-jackpot winnings. The jackpot, which had a cash option of $258.4 million, will now roll over to the next drawing, increasing to an estimated $579 million with a cash option of $276.6 million.
Million-Dollar Winners in Ohio and Wisconsin
While the jackpot went unclaimed, three lucky players still walked away with significant prizes. Two tickets sold in Ohio and one in Wisconsin matched all five numbers except for the Mega Ball, each earning a $1 million prize. These winners narrowly missed the jackpot but still secured a life-changing amount. The Mega Millions game continues to attract players with its massive jackpots and the chance to win substantial secondary prizes.
Understanding the Mega Millions Game
To play Mega Millions, participants must select six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball between 1 and 25. Players can choose their numbers or opt for a “Quick Pick” for random selection. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by two to five times. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement and potential reward for those who don’t hit the jackpot.
Powerball Continues to Grow
In addition to Mega Millions, the Powerball lottery also saw no jackpot winner in its recent drawing. The winning numbers for Monday night’s draw were 3, 9, 26, 61, and 67, with a Powerball of 13. The Power Play was 2X. As a result, the Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $240 million, with a cash option of $113.6 million. This increase adds to the anticipation for the next drawing, as players hope to become the next big winner.
Lotto Max Jackpot Split Between Two Provinces
Meanwhile, in Canada, the Lotto Max jackpot reached an impressive $80 million. This prize was split between two winning tickets sold in Quebec and Alberta. The jackpot had grown after going unclaimed in previous draws, creating a buzz among lottery enthusiasts. Isabelle Jean, executive vice-president and COO of lottery games at Loto-Québec, expressed excitement about the win occurring in Quebec once again.
Maxmillion Prizes Add to the Excitement
In addition to the main prize, there were 29 Maxmillion prizes valued at $1 million each available. In Ontario alone, 664,790 Lotto Max tickets won prizes, including five $1-million Maxmillion tickets. These additional prizes offer more opportunities for players to win big, even if they don’t hit the main jackpot. The odds of winning the Lotto Max jackpot are one in 33,294,800, according to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Upcoming Draws and Opportunities
The next Lotto Max draw will be held on December 6, with an estimated $33-million jackpot. Players are encouraged to participate for a chance to win substantial prizes. The most commonly drawn numbers since switching to 50 numbers are 7, 19, 22, 32, 28, 36, and 46. Interestingly, the most commonly selected numbers by players are sequential: 1 through 7. This pattern highlights the diverse strategies players use when selecting their numbers.
National Lottery Results in the UK
In the UK, the National Lottery results for December 4, 2024, have been announced. The Lotto jackpot for the night was £5.2 million. The winning numbers for the National Lottery Lotto were 12, 19, 25, 35, 37, and 39, with a Bonus Ball of 03. The Thunderball draw offered a top prize of £500,000, with winning numbers 01, 04, 10, 20, and 33, and a Thunderball of 13.
Historical Wins and Odds
The first National Lottery draw took place on November 19, 1994, with seven winners sharing a jackpot of £5,874,778. The largest amount won by a single ticket holder was £42 million in 1996. Gareth Bull won £41 million in November 2020 and used his winnings to build a luxury manor house. The odds of winning the lottery are approximately one in 14 million, making each win a remarkable event.
Conclusion: A Night of Near Wins and Future Hopes
While the Mega Millions jackpot remains unclaimed, the night was still filled with excitement and significant wins. Players in Ohio, Wisconsin, Quebec, and Alberta celebrated their million-dollar prizes, while others look forward to the next opportunity to win big. With upcoming draws and growing jackpots, the lottery continues to capture the imagination and hopes of players worldwide. Whether it’s the thrill of the game or the dream of a life-changing win, the lottery remains a popular pastime for many.
