Record-Breaking Jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, reached an impressive $560 million. This makes it the ninth largest jackpot in the history of the game. The cash option for this jackpot was $264 million. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was on March 26, when a player from New Jersey took home a staggering $1.128 billion.
Winning Numbers Revealed
The winning numbers for the June 4 drawing were 19, 37, 40, 63, and 69, with the Megaball number being 17. The Megaplier for this drawing was 3x. These numbers have created a buzz among lottery enthusiasts, as many are eager to see if they hold the winning ticket.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times. To play, participants select five numbers from a pool ranging from 1 to 70 and one number from a pool ranging from 1 to 25, known as the Megaball. For those who prefer not to choose their numbers, the Quick Pick option allows the lottery machine to select random numbers.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets for Mega Millions can be purchased in-person at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket in certain states such as Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
Prize Information
Matching just the Megaball wins $2, while matching all five white balls can win up to $1 million, except in California. Full prize payouts can be checked on the Mega Millions website. The odds of winning the jackpot are 302,575,350-to-1, and the odds of matching all five white balls are 12,607,306-to-1.
Jackpot Payout Options
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot have two payout options. The annuity option is paid over time, with an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year. The cash option, which is significantly lower, is paid as a lump sum. Most winners opt for the cash payout due to its immediate availability.
Anonymity for Winners
Some states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous. It is essential to check with your state lottery for more information on this matter. In states like Wisconsin, winners cannot remain anonymous due to state open records laws. The lottery must release the winner’s name and city upon request, although other information is released only with the winner’s consent.
Recent Lottery Winners
This year has already seen two billion-dollar lottery jackpot winners. In March, a Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.13 billion was won in New Jersey. In April, a Powerball ticket in Oregon hit a jackpot worth more than $1.3 billion. These massive wins have added to the excitement surrounding the lottery, encouraging more people to try their luck.
Powerball Jackpot Details
While the Mega Millions jackpot has been making headlines, the Powerball jackpot also stands at a significant $185 million, with a cash option of $86 million. The Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at approximately 10:59 p.m. ET.
Claiming Lottery Prizes
In Wisconsin, lottery prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the drawing date. Expired or soon-to-expire tickets can be checked on the Wisconsin Lottery website. For prizes up to $599, winners can mail their tickets to the Prizes P.O. Box in Madison, WI. For prizes between $600 and $199,999, tickets should also be mailed to the Prizes P.O. Box. For prizes exceeding $200,000, specific instructions are not provided but likely require additional verification steps.
Unclaimed Prize Money
Unclaimed prizes in Wisconsin are credited to the Wisconsin Lottery property tax relief fund. This ensures that the money is put to good use, even if the winner does not come forward to claim their prize.
Historical Jackpot Information
As of June 4, there have been eleven lottery jackpots reaching or surpassing $1 billion. Only once has a jackpot surpassed $2 billion. These historical wins highlight the potential for life-changing amounts of money that can be won through the lottery.
Jackpocket App
The Jackpocket app is an official digital lottery courier service that allows users to pick games and numbers, place orders, and see their tickets and winnings via their phone or computer. Gannett may earn revenue from referrals through this app. It is important to note that users must be 18+ (21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska) to use the app. The app is not affiliated with any state lottery, and those with a gambling problem are encouraged to call the appropriate helpline.
Conclusion
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continues to grow as more people participate in the hopes of winning life-changing amounts of money. With the recent announcement of the winning numbers for the June 4, 2024, Mega Millions drawing, many are eagerly checking their tickets to see if they are the lucky winners. Whether you choose to play in-person or online, the thrill of the lottery remains a popular pastime for many.
