Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Grow
The Mega Millions jackpot is currently on the rise, creating excitement among lottery enthusiasts. The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET, with a prize pool of $181 million. If the winner opts for the cash option, they will receive $84.3 million. This jackpot is the fifth-largest gaming prize and the largest since a $1.3 billion prize was won in Maine in January 2023. The largest Mega Millions prize ever was $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina in October 2018.
Powerball Jackpot Also on the Rise
The Powerball jackpot is also increasing, with the next drawing set for Monday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The current jackpot stands at $164 million, with a cash value of $74.9 million. The last Powerball jackpot winner was on January 1, when a single ticket in Michigan won $842.4 million, the fifth-largest total in Powerball history and the tenth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever.
Where to Buy Mega Millions and Powerball Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, as well as in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, they are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Powerball tickets can be purchased in the same locations. For those who prefer to buy tickets online, several states offer this option. In Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C., players can register with their state lotteries to purchase tickets online.
How to Play Mega Millions and Powerball
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players select five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a range of 1 to 25. For an additional $1 per play, players can add the Megaplier feature, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times. The jackpot is won by matching all six winning numbers.
Powerball tickets also cost $2 per play. Players select five numbers from a range of 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from a range of 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. The Power Play option, which costs an additional $1 per play, can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to ten times when the jackpot is $150 million or less.
Recent Winning Numbers and Winners
In the most recent Mega Millions drawing, the winning numbers were 3, 8, 31, 35, and 44, with the Mega Ball being 16 and the Megaplier 3X. No overall jackpot winners were declared, but there was a Match 5 + Megaplier winner in Virginia and Match 5 winners in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, and Texas.
For the latest Powerball drawing, the winning numbers were 9, 30, 53, 55, and 62, with the Powerball being 23 and the Power Play 3X. There were no grand prize winners, but Match 5 winners in Georgia and New Jersey each won $1 million.
Odds of Winning and Prize Payouts
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately one in 302.6 million, while the odds of matching all five white balls are about one in 12.6 million. For Powerball, the odds of winning the grand prize are one in 292.2 million, and the odds of winning the lowest prize of $4 for matching just the red Powerball are one in 38.3.
Mega Millions offers various prize tiers, including $1 million for matching all five white balls and $10,000 for matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball. Powerball also has multiple prize tiers, with non-jackpot prizes ranging from $4 to $1 million.
Jackpot Payment Options
Winners of both Mega Millions and Powerball can choose between annuity payments over time or a lump-sum cash payment. The annuity option includes an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, increasing by 5% each year to account for inflation. The cash option is a one-time lump-sum payment equal to all the cash in the prize pool.
Online Ticket Purchase and Jackpocket App
For those who prefer the convenience of online ticket purchases, the Jackpocket app is an official digital lottery courier service available in select states. The app allows users to pick lottery games and numbers, place orders, see their tickets, and collect winnings via phone or computer. It is available in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Gambling Support Information
For individuals who may have gambling problems, various helplines are available based on location. For example, the NY HOPE line provides support for those in New York. It is essential to seek help if gambling becomes 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 Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET, with a jackpot of $181 million. The next Powerball drawing is on Monday at 10:59 p.m. ET, with a jackpot of $164 million. Whether you choose to buy your tickets in person or online, remember to play responsibly and good luck!
