Mega Millions: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity
The Mega Millions lottery is capturing the attention of many with its massive jackpots. Recently, the jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing reached nearly $1 billion. This significant amount was due to no one matching all five numbers and the Mega Ball on December 20, which caused the jackpot to increase from $862 million to $944 million. Just a few days later, the grand prize grew even more, reaching $970 million, or $439 million in cash. If someone had won, it would have been the largest jackpot ever won in December. The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 24, at 11 p.m. ET.
Recent Mega Millions Wins and Future Drawings
The last time the Mega Millions jackpot was won was in Texas in September, with a prize of $810 million. Since then, over 21.4 million winning tickets have been sold in the 29 drawings. A Mega Millions ticket costs $2 per play, and there are nine ways to win prizes ranging from $2 to the grand prize. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, or online in some states. To play, you pick six numbers: five white balls (1 to 70) and one gold Mega Ball (1 to 25). Players can also opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” for randomly generated numbers.
Jackpocket: A Convenient Way to Play
For those who prefer digital convenience, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket in select U.S. states and territories. Jackpocket allows users to pick their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings via phone or computer. It is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, and Gannett may earn revenue from referrals to Jackpocket services. However, age restrictions apply: players must be 18+, 21+ in Arizona (AZ), and 19+ in Nebraska (NE). It’s important to note that Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery, and resources for gambling problems are provided with contact information for support hotlines by state.
Christmas Eve Mega Millions Drawing
The Mega Millions jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing was estimated at $1 billion. The last claimed Mega Millions jackpot was on September 10, with an $810 million prize won in Texas. The Christmas Eve jackpot would have been the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history if won. Although no one won the jackpot on Christmas Eve, four individuals won $1 million each in the Match 5 lottery. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for December 27, with an estimated jackpot of $1.15 billion. The winning numbers for December 24 were: 11, 14, 38, 45, 46; Mega Ball: 3; Megaplier: 3X.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online purchases are available through Jackpocket in select states and territories. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network and allows users to manage their lottery activities via phone or computer. Players must be of legal age to participate (18+, or older depending on state regulations). For gambling problems, various helplines are provided based on location.
Claiming a Mega Millions Jackpot
A Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.12 billion was claimed nearly nine months after the drawing. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, is from New Jersey and will receive $537.5 million before taxes. This jackpot was the fifth highest in Mega Millions history and the first won in 2024. The winning ticket was purchased at ShopRite Liquor #781 in Neptune Township, New Jersey. The winning numbers were white balls 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38 with a gold Mega Ball of 4 and a multiplier of 2x. If unclaimed, the prize money would have been returned to participating states for various uses such as public servant retirement funds in New Jersey.
Upcoming Mega Millions Jackpot
The current Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $944 million ahead of a Christmas Eve drawing. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, some airport terminals, or online through Jackpocket in certain states and territories. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier for USA TODAY Network; it allows users to play lottery games via phone or computer.
Powerball: Another Big Jackpot to Watch
While Mega Millions is making headlines, the Powerball lottery is also known for its large jackpots. Players across the country are eagerly awaiting the next big draw. Powerball tickets are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Like Mega Millions, Powerball offers multiple ways to win, with jackpots often reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.
How to Play Powerball
To play Powerball, participants must select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. The cost of a Powerball ticket is $2 per play. Players can choose their numbers or opt for a Quick Pick to have numbers randomly selected. Powerball drawings occur twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing frequent opportunities for players to try their luck.
Future Powerball Jackpots
The Powerball jackpot continues to grow with each drawing that does not produce a grand prize winner. As the jackpot increases, so does the excitement among players. The anticipation of potentially winning a life-changing amount of money keeps many people engaged in the game. With jackpots often reaching impressive amounts, Powerball remains a popular choice for lottery enthusiasts.
Conclusion: A Chance at Life-Changing Wins
Both Mega Millions and Powerball offer players the chance to win substantial jackpots that can change their lives. With upcoming drawings promising even larger prizes, the excitement surrounding these lotteries is palpable. Whether purchasing tickets at a local store or using a digital service like Jackpocket, players have multiple options to participate. As the jackpots continue to rise, the dream of winning big remains alive for many hopeful participants across the United States.
