Introduction to the Mega Millions Jackpot
The **Mega Millions** jackpot for June 28, 2024, reached an impressive $116 million. With a cash option of $55.4 million, many hopefuls purchased tickets, dreaming of a life-changing win. The winning numbers for this draw were 28, 31, 33, 42, 66, and the **Mega Ball** was 24. The **Megaplier** for this draw was 3x, potentially increasing non-jackpot winnings for those who opted for this additional feature.
Winning Numbers and Results
On Friday, June 28, the winning numbers were drawn, and they were 28, 31, 33, 42, 66, with the Mega Ball being 24. The Megaplier was 3x. Unfortunately, no tickets matched all six numbers, meaning the jackpot will continue to grow. The next drawing will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, with an even larger jackpot up for grabs.
Recent Winners and Their Stories
While no one claimed the jackpot on June 28, there have been notable winners this year. In March, a player from **New Jersey** won a staggering $1.13 billion. Earlier this month, an **Illinois** player took home $552 million. These stories inspire many to try their luck, hoping to join the ranks of these fortunate individuals.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing **Mega Millions** is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2 per play. Players select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by two to five times. Drawings are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 p.m. ET.
Odds and Prize Claiming
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million. However, players have a general chance of winning any prize at about 1 in 24. These odds remain consistent regardless of the jackpot size. In **Wisconsin**, prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the date of the drawing. Unclaimed prize money is credited to the Wisconsin Lottery’s property tax relief fund. Winners cannot remain anonymous due to state open records laws; their name and city must be released upon request.
Claiming Prizes in Wisconsin
For prizes up to $599, winners can send their tickets to the Prizes P.O. Box in **Madison, WI**. For prizes between $600 and $199,999, winners should also send their tickets to the same address. Specific instructions for prizes exceeding $200,000 were not provided in the summary, but winners are advised to contact the Wisconsin Lottery for detailed guidance.
Historical Context on Large Jackpots
As of June 28, 2024, there have been eleven lottery jackpots that reached or surpassed $1 billion. Only one jackpot has ever exceeded $2 billion. These massive prizes capture the public’s imagination and drive ticket sales, as players dream of becoming instant billionaires.
Powerball Jackpot Information
In addition to Mega Millions, the **Powerball** jackpot is also drawing attention. The current Powerball jackpot is estimated at $113 million, with a cash option of $53.9 million. The winning numbers for the Wednesday night drawing were 4, 9, 36, 47, and the Powerball was 7. The Power Play was 5x. Like Mega Millions, Powerball offers life-changing prizes and attracts millions of players.
How to Purchase Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and online in some states. The **Jackpocket** app allows users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings using their phone or home computer. This app is available in several states, including **Arizona**, **Arkansas**, **Colorado**, **Idaho**, **Maine**, **Massachusetts**, **Minnesota**, **Montana**, **Nebraska**, **New Hampshire**, **New Jersey**, **New Mexico**, **New York**, **Ohio**, **Oregon**, **Texas**, **Washington D.C.**, and **West Virginia**.
Gambling Problem Resources
For those who may struggle with gambling, resources are available. Helplines are provided for various regions, including **New York** (1-877-8-HOPE-NY), **Massachusetts** (1-800-327-5050), **Oregon** (1-877-MYLIMIT), **Puerto Rico** (1-800-981-0023), and others (1-800-GAMBLER). It’s important to play responsibly and seek help if needed.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions jackpot for June 28, 2024, may not have found a winner, but the excitement continues to build. With the next drawing scheduled for July 2, players have another chance to win a life-changing prize. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, the dream of hitting the jackpot keeps the hope alive. Stay tuned for the next drawing and remember to play responsibly.
