Record-Breaking Jackpot Continues to Grow
The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an astounding $251 million after no one claimed the grand prize in the previous drawing. The winning numbers for the July 19 drawing were 10, 17, 23, 50, and 67, with a Mega Ball of 3. The Megaplier was 3X, which could significantly increase non-jackpot winnings for those who opted for it.
Recent Winners and Their Stories
While the grand prize remains unclaimed, several players have still walked away with substantial winnings. A great-grandmother recently won $5 million on a lottery scratch-off ticket after completing her breast cancer treatment. This heartwarming story adds a personal touch to the excitement surrounding the lottery.
Connecticut Lottery Winners
In Connecticut, a resident from Terryville won a $100,000 prize on July 18. The winning ticket for the “$” game was sold at Citizen LLC in Watertown. Another lucky winner from Ledyard took home a $10,000 prize from the “10X™ Cash 17th Edition” game, with the winning ticket sold at Xpress Fuel in Guilford.
How to Play Mega Millions
For those looking to try their luck, Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Some states also allow online purchases. Players need to pick six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball between 1 and 25. For better odds or convenience, players can ask for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly generates numbers. Adding the “Megaplier” for $1 can increase non-grand prize winnings by two to five times.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Online orders through Jackpocket are available in several U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows users to pick their game and numbers, place orders, see tickets, and collect winnings using their phone or home computer.
Jackpot Growth and History
The current streak began after someone in Illinois won a $560 million jackpot on June 4. Since then, the jackpot has continued to grow, capturing the attention of lottery enthusiasts nationwide. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately one in over three hundred million (1 in 302,575,350), making each drawing a highly anticipated event.
Claiming Prizes
In Florida, prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the date of the drawing. To claim a single-payment cash option, winners have within the first sixty days after the applicable draw date to claim it. Winners cannot remain anonymous as Florida law mandates disclosure of information such as name, city of residence, game won, date won, and amount won upon request by any third party. However, names of winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater will be temporarily exempt from public disclosure for ninety days unless waived by the winner.
Arizona Lottery Results
The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, The Pick, Triple Twist, Fantasy 5, and Pick 3. Recent jackpots have been among the top 10 largest in U.S. lottery history. The Mega Millions results for July 16, 2024, were 05-35-42-58-66, with a Mega Ball of 22 and a Megaplier of 2. The Pick 3 results for the same date were 1-1-9.
Funding Allocation
Money raised from the Arizona Lottery supports higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation, and economic/business development in Arizona. This ensures that the funds generated from lottery ticket sales benefit the community in various meaningful ways.
Powerball Jackpot Update
The Powerball jackpot has also seen significant growth, reaching $865 million after no grand prize winner emerged from the March 25, 2024, drawing. The winning numbers for that drawing were 7-11-19-53-68, with a Powerball of 23 and a Power Play of 2X. This is the fifth largest jackpot in the game’s history, adding to the excitement for lottery players.
Next Drawings and Ticket Purchase Information
The next Powerball drawing will be on Wednesday, March 27, at exactly 10:59 PM Eastern Time. In Delaware, tickets may be purchased until 9:45 PM Eastern Time on the day of the drawing. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, tickets can be purchased until 9:59 PM Eastern Time. Each play costs $2, and tickets can be bought online in Pennsylvania at www.pailottery.com/games/draw-games/ and in New Jersey at njlotto.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Powerball grand prize are one in 292,201,338. The odds for the lowest prize of $4 for matching one red Powerball are one in 38.32. Overall, the odds of winning any prize are approximately one in 24.87. These odds highlight the challenge and excitement of playing the lottery.
Conclusion
As the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continue to grow, the excitement among lottery players is palpable. With recent winners sharing their stories and the potential for life-changing prizes, the allure of the lottery remains strong. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, the chance to win big is always just a ticket away.
