The winning numbers for a roughly $1 billion Mega Millions lottery prize will be selected Friday night, promising instant riches to any lucky player who matches them while almost guaranteeing disappointment to everyone else.
Since there hasn’t been a winner in three months, the Mega Millions jackpot has increased to an estimated $977 million. That high payout reflects the extraordinarily long odds of winning the jackpot, as the longer it goes without a winner, the larger the award becomes.
The jackpot is the tenth highest in U.S. lottery history, around half the value of the record $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in November 2022.
Read: 7 Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Players Rake In Combined Winnings Of $11 Million In February
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game played in 47 jurisdictions across the United States. It was first introduced in 1996 as “The Big Game” and underwent a rebranding in 2002 to become Mega Millions. The game is known for its massive jackpots, with some reaching over a billion dollars.
The objective of the game is simple: players must match all six winning numbers to win the jackpot. In addition to the jackpot, there are eight other prize levels, making Mega Millions a thrilling and potentially lucrative game to play
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:
- Purchase a ticket: Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states. Tickets cost $2 per play.
- Choose your numbers: Select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a pool of 1 to 25. You can either pick your numbers manually or use the Quick Pick option to have the computer generate random numbers for you.
- Add the Megaplier (optional): For an additional $1 per play, you can add the Megaplier feature, which can multiply your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
- Check your ticket: Make sure to double-check your numbers and the draw date before leaving the retailer. Once you’ve left the retailer, your ticket cannot be canceled or refunded.
- Watch the drawing: Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Tune in to your local television station or check online to watch the drawing and see if you’re a winner!
Read: Florida Man Wins $5 Million On $20 Monopoly Lottery Scratch-Off
How to Win Mega Millions
The Mega Millions game offers nine different ways to win a prize, ranging from the jackpot to a $2 prize for matching just the Mega Ball. Here are the different prize levels and the odds of winning:
- Jackpot (Match 5 numbers + Mega Ball): The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302,575,350. The jackpot starts at $40 million and increases with each drawing where there is no jackpot winner.
- Match 5 numbers (without the Mega Ball): The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 12,607,306. This prize is fixed at $1 million.
- Match 4 numbers + Mega Ball: The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 931,001. The prize amount varies depending on the number of winners and the total sales for the drawing.
- Match 4 numbers (without the Mega Ball): The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 38,792. The prize amount varies depending on the number of winners and the total sales for the drawing.
- Match 3 numbers + Mega Ball: The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 14,547. The prize amount varies depending on the number of winners and the total sales for the drawing.
- Match 3 numbers (without the Mega Ball): The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 606. The prize amount varies depending on the number of winners and the total sales for the drawing.
- Match 2 numbers + Mega Ball: The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 693. The prize amount is a fixed $10.
- Match 1 number + Mega Ball: The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 89. The prize amount is a fixed $4.
- Match the Mega Ball only: The odds of winning this prize are approximately 1 in 37. The prize amount is a fixed $2.
Read: Florida Man Wins Big After Picking A Winning $50 Lottery Ticket At Publix
The Megaplier Feature
The Megaplier is an optional feature that can increase your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. It costs an additional $1 per play and is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday. The Megaplier is selected from a pool of 15 balls, with five marked as “2X,” six marked as “3X,” three marked as “4X,” and one marked as “5X.” If you win a non-jackpot prize and have added the Megaplier to your ticket, your prize will be multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn.
Mega Millions Drawing Schedule
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. It’s important to note that ticket sales for each drawing close approximately one hour before the drawing time. So make sure to purchase your ticket well in advance to avoid missing out on a chance to win big!
Mega Millions Winning Numbers
The winning numbers for Mega Millions are drawn using two machines. The first machine contains white balls numbered 1 to 70, and the second machine contains gold balls numbered 1 to 25, known as the Mega Ball. To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls in any order and the Mega Ball. If you match only the white balls or the Mega Ball, you can still win a prize, although it will be smaller than the jackpot.
The winning numbers for the most recent Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday, March 19, were 24, 46, 49, 62, and 66. The Mega Ball was 7, and the Megaplier was 2X. While there were no jackpot winners, there were Match 5 $1 million winners in California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia.
To stay up to date with the latest Mega Millions winning numbers, you can visit the official Mega Millions website or check your local news station.
Mega Millions Jackpot History
Mega Millions has a reputation for producing jaw-dropping jackpots that capture the nation’s attention. Here are the six largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won:
- $1.602 billion: The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won was a staggering $1.602 billion. It was won by a single ticket in Florida in August 2023.
- $1.537 billion: The second-largest Mega Millions jackpot was won by a single ticket in South Carolina in October 2018.
- $1.35 billion: In January 2023, one lucky ticket holder from Maine won a $1.35 billion jackpot.
- $1.34 billion: A single ticket in Illinois won a $1.34 billion jackpot in July 2022.
- $1.050 billion: In January 2021, a lucky player from Michigan won a $1.050 billion jackpot.
- Current jackpot: The current Mega Millions jackpot stands at an estimated $977 million, making it one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states. These include gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. If you prefer the convenience of online ticket purchasing, you can use the Jackpocket app, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket, and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. However, it’s important to note that online ticket sales may not be available in all states, so be sure to check the regulations in your area.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.