Mega Millions Jackpot Growth
The Mega Millions jackpot is currently growing, with the prize money for Friday’s draw reaching $80 million. A lucky winner in Illinois won the jackpot at the beginning of June, but the excitement continues to build as the jackpot increases. If you opt for the cash option, the payout would be $38.2 million. This jackpot growth is drawing more attention and ticket sales, making it an exciting time for lottery enthusiasts.
Next Mega Millions Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET on Friday. Winning this jackpot would represent the fifth-largest gaming prize and the largest since a $1.3 billion prize was won in Maine in January 2023. The largest ever Mega Millions prize was $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina in October 2018. As the jackpot grows, ticket sales increase, which further decreases one’s already small chances of winning.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, as well as in D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, they are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawai’i, Nevada, and Utah. For those in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or D.C., you can buy tickets online by registering with lotteries in those jurisdictions. Full details on where to get a ticket can be found on the Mega Millions website.
Powerball Jackpot Details
The Powerball jackpot is also on the rise, with the next drawing scheduled for Wednesday, June 12 at 10:59 p.m. ET. The current jackpot stands at $222.6 million with a cash value of $104 million. The winning numbers for the last drawing on June 10 were 3-10-33-58-59, with the Powerball number 9 and a Power Play of 2X. No grand prize winner was declared, which means the jackpot continues to grow.
Where to Buy Powerball Tickets
Powerball tickets can be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. They are available in 45 states, plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In some states, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, tickets can also be purchased online. The deadline for purchasing tickets varies by state, so be sure to check local regulations.
How to Play Mega Millions and Powerball
To play Mega Millions, tickets cost $2 per play. Players pick five numbers from a pool of numbers between one and seventy and one Mega Ball number from one to twenty-five. Easy Pick or Quick Pick options are available for random number selection by terminal. Matching all six winning numbers wins the jackpot. The Megaplier feature increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times for an additional $1 per play.
For Powerball, players select five numbers from a pool of numbers ranging from 1 to 69 for white balls and one number from a pool ranging from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. Players can choose their own numbers or let the lottery terminal randomly pick them. The Power Play option allows players to multiply non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, five, or ten times for an additional $1 per play.
Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the grand prize in Mega Millions are approximately one in 302,575,350. For Powerball, the odds of winning the grand prize are approximately one in 292,201,338. Despite the slim chances, the allure of potentially life-changing winnings keeps players coming back for more. The odds for winning the lowest prize ($4) in Powerball are one in 38.32, and the overall odds of winning any prize are one in 24.87 based on a $2 play.
Recent Winning Numbers and Outcomes
In the most recent Mega Millions drawing on April 23, the winning numbers were 11-17-33-39-43, with the Mega Ball number 14 and a Megaplier of 4X. No jackpot winners were declared, increasing the next jackpot to $228 million or a $103.4 million cash option. The last significant Mega Millions win was on March 23, when a single winner from New Jersey won $1.13 billion, the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.
For Powerball, the winning numbers for the last drawing on June 10 were 3-10-33-58-59, with the Powerball number 9 and a Power Play of 2X. No grand prize winner was declared, which means the jackpot continues to grow. The last Powerball jackpot was won on May 6 by a Florida lottery player who won $214.9 million.
Upcoming Drawings
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 11 p.m. ET. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12 at 10:59 p.m. ET. Both lotteries offer the chance to win life-changing amounts of money, and the excitement continues to build as the jackpots grow.
Responsible Gambling
It’s important to remember that while playing the lottery can be fun and exciting, it’s also important to gamble responsibly. Must be over age limits (18+, or specific state requirements) to play. Support is available for gambling problems through various hotlines depending on location. Always play within your means and seek help if you feel that gambling is becoming a problem.
Conclusion
With the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continuing to grow, now is an exciting time for lottery enthusiasts. The next Mega Millions drawing is on Friday, June 12, and the next Powerball drawing is on Wednesday, June 12. Whether you choose to play in person or online, remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game. Good luck!
