Next Mega Millions Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is set to take place on Friday at 11 p.m. ET. The jackpot for this drawing has grown to an impressive $251 million. If you choose the cash option, the payout would be $118.7 million. This jackpot is one of the largest in recent months, making it an exciting opportunity for lottery enthusiasts.
Recent Mega Millions Winners
A lucky winner in Illinois claimed the Mega Millions jackpot at the beginning of June. The prize money for the upcoming Friday draw is expected to attract a large number of participants. Winning this jackpot would make it 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.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, as well as in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, tickets are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawai’i, Nevada, and Utah. 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., you can purchase tickets online by registering with local lotteries.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2. Players select five numbers from a pool of numbers between one and seventy and one Mega Ball number from one to twenty-five. For those who prefer a random selection, the Easy Pick or Quick Pick options are available. Additionally, players can add the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times.
Upcoming Powerball Drawing
The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday. The current jackpot for this drawing is $31 million, with a cash option of $14.5 million. Powerball drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. The last Powerball jackpot was won on January 1 by a single ticket in Michigan, which claimed a grand prize worth $842.4 million with a cash value of $425.2 million.
Recent Powerball Winners
In the most recent Powerball drawing, no tickets matched the winning numbers, which were 1, 3, 7, 16, and 66, with the Powerball number being 5. The last Powerball jackpot winner was on January 1, making the upcoming drawing an exciting opportunity for players.
Where to Buy Powerball Tickets
Powerball tickets are widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. For those who prefer to buy tickets online, the Jackpocket app offers a convenient option. The app is available in select states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
How to Play Powerball
Playing Powerball is similar to Mega Millions. Each ticket costs $2. Players select five numbers from a pool of numbers between one and sixty-nine and one Powerball number from one to twenty-six. The Power Play option can be added for an extra $1 per play, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two to ten times.
Combined Jackpot Total
The combined jackpots for Mega Millions and Powerball are currently totaling $1.294 billion. This makes the upcoming drawings particularly exciting for lottery players. The Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday night is for $735 million, making it the sixth-largest jackpot ever for the game. The cash payout for this jackpot is $356 million. No one has won the Mega Millions jackpot since December 8. In the most recent drawing, no tickets matched the white ball numbers (19, 20, 22, 47, and 58) and the Mega Ball (1).
Lottery Trends
U.S. lotteries have made contests tougher to win but have built enormous jackpots as a result. In 2023, both Mega Millions and Powerball saw two grand prize-winning jackpots of more than $1 billion each for the first time ever. This trend of growing jackpots is expected to continue, making lottery games even more enticing for players.
Responsible Gambling
While the excitement of potentially winning a massive jackpot is undeniable, it is important to practice responsible gambling. Many states offer support services for those who may have a gambling problem. For example, the NY HOPELINE provides assistance for individuals in New York. It is crucial to play responsibly and seek help if needed.
Conclusion
The upcoming Mega Millions and Powerball drawings offer exciting opportunities for lottery players. With jackpots reaching impressive amounts, the anticipation is high. Whether you choose to buy your tickets in person or online, make sure to participate in these thrilling lottery events. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the game.
