Upcoming Mega Millions Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The jackpot has climbed to an estimated $61 million, with a cash option of $29.3 million. This follows the previous drawing on Friday, June 14, where no one matched all six numbers to win the jackpot. The winning numbers for that drawing were 1, 25, 26, 31, 65, with a Mega Ball of 2 and a Megaplier of 3X.
Details of the Last Drawing
In the last drawing on June 14, the jackpot was worth $47 million. Despite no one winning the grand prize, one ticket sold in New Jersey matched all five numbers except for the Mega Ball, earning the ticket holder a prize of $1 million. The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow as no one has hit the jackpot since the last big win on June 4, when a single winner from Illinois took home $560 million.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2 per play. Players must select six numbers: five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 25 (golden Mega Ball). For those who prefer not to choose their own numbers, the Easy Pick or Quick Pick option allows the computer to generate random numbers. Adding the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play can increase non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or five times.
Winning and Payouts
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, a player must match all five white balls plus the Mega Ball. However, there are several other ways to win smaller prizes. Matching just the Mega Ball wins $2, while matching one of the five numbers plus the Mega Ball wins $4. The prizes increase with the number of matches, with a ticket matching all five numbers except the Mega Ball worth $1 million. The Megaplier can significantly boost these non-jackpot prizes.
Next Drawing Details
The next Mega Millions drawing will take place on Tuesday, June 18, at approximately 10 p.m. CT. Drawings are held twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday. Tickets can be purchased until 9:45 p.m. ET on the day of the drawing in Delaware, and until 9:59 p.m. in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In New York, ticket sales are available until 10 p.m. on the night of the draw.
Where to Buy Tickets
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can also be bought online. For example, in Pennsylvania, tickets are available at www.pailottery.com, and in New Jersey, they can be purchased at njlotto.com. The cost of a standard play ticket is $2, with the option to add the Megaplier for an additional $1 per play.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302,575,350. While these odds are steep, the game offers multiple prize tiers, making it possible to win smaller amounts. The odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24. The Megaplier option can enhance the value of non-jackpot prizes, making it a popular choice among players.
Top Jackpots in History
Mega Millions has a history of creating massive jackpots. The largest jackpot ever won was $1.537 billion, claimed by a single ticket in South Carolina in October 2018. Other notable jackpots include $1.05 billion won in Michigan in January 2021 and $656 million shared by three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland in March 2012. These staggering amounts highlight the potential life-changing impact of winning the Mega Millions jackpot.
Claiming Prizes
Winners must claim their prizes within a specific timeframe. In Florida, for example, prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the date of the drawing. For those opting for a single-payment cash option, winners have up to the first 60 days after the draw date to claim it. It’s important to check the specific rules in your state to ensure you don’t miss out on claiming your prize.
Powerball Drawing Information
In addition to Mega Millions, the Powerball lottery also offers substantial jackpots. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. The estimated jackpot for this drawing is $20 million, with a cash value of $9.4 million. Powerball drawings are held three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Tickets cost $2 per play, with the option to add Power Play for an additional $1 per play.
Conclusion
The next Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday, June 18, offers an exciting opportunity to win an estimated $61 million jackpot. With tickets costing just $2 per play and the option to enhance winnings with the Megaplier, it’s a game that attracts millions of players. Whether you choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, the chance to win big is always thrilling. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets before the deadline and tune in to see if you’re the next big winner.
