MEGA MILLIONS. (THECOUNT) — Did anyone win Friday’s Mega Millions drawing? And if not, how can one improve their odds of snagging the massive life-changing prize this coming Tuesday?
The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to a staggering $800 million, with a cash option of $401.8 million for the upcoming Tuesday drawing. The eye-popping prize comes after no one matched all 6 winning numbers during Friday night’s draw, sending the total climbing even higher. This makes it one of the largest jackpots in Mega Millions history, drawing widespread attention from hopeful players across the country.
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The winning number for Friday’s drawing are 6, 23, 41, 59, 63, Mega 25.
Someone did match 5 numbers sans the Mega number taking home a sweet $2,233,779 – Before taxes.
A Record-Breaking Year for Mega Millions:
So far in 2024, the Mega Millions lottery has produced only two jackpot winners. The most recent jackpot winner came from Illinois on June 4, where a lucky ticket holder claimed a prize of $552 million. Prior to that, in March, a winning ticket worth a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion was sold in New Jersey, though that prize remains unclaimed. New Jersey law allows winners one year to claim their prize, so the clock is ticking for the holder of that ticket.
The rising jackpot is a direct result of no one matching all six numbers in recent draws, which causes the prize pool to continue growing. As each drawing passes without a winner, ticket sales ramp up, driving the total prize amount to astronomical levels. With the latest jackpot sitting at $800 million, interest in the next drawing is expected to be intense.
How Mega Millions Works:
Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2, and half of the proceeds stay within the state where the ticket was sold. This structure allows states to fund various local programs and initiatives, so even those who don’t win contribute to their community in some way.
The Mega Millions drawings take place at 11 p.m. Eastern Time every Tuesday and Friday in Atlanta, Georgia. Players select five numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. To win the jackpot, all five numbers and the Mega Ball must be matched.
For those aiming for smaller prizes, the overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24. However, the odds of winning the jackpot itself are much steeper—approximately 1 in 302 million. Despite the long odds, the massive prize is enough to keep players coming back in hopes that they will defy the statistics and hit it big.
History of Mega Millions Jackpots:
While the current $800 million prize is enormous, it pales in comparison to the largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. That record was set just last year when a ticket sold in Florida claimed an unbelievable $1.6 billion. The winner, who took the lump sum cash option, walked away with a reduced payout after taxes but still became one of the wealthiest lottery winners in U.S. history.
Other significant jackpots include a $1.5 billion prize that was split between three winners in 2018 and a $1.05 billion ticket that was sold in Michigan in 2021. These astronomical figures have helped cement Mega Millions as one of the most popular lotteries in the world.
How to Improve Your Odds:
While the odds of winning the jackpot are long, there are ways to slightly improve your chances of walking away with a prize. One popular method is to join a lottery pool with friends, family, or coworkers. By pooling money together, a group can buy more tickets, increasing the chances that at least one will be a winner. While the prize will need to be split among the group members, even a share of a massive jackpot can be life-changing.
Another strategy is to always buy tickets for both the Tuesday and Friday drawings. The more opportunities you give yourself to win, the better your chances. Some players also prefer to use a combination of random and personal numbers, such as birthdays or anniversaries, though it’s important to remember that all combinations have the same chance of winning.
What to Do If You Win:
For the lucky ticket holder who does win the $800 million jackpot—or any large lottery prize—there are several steps to take before claiming the money. First, it’s crucial to sign the back of the ticket and keep it in a safe place. After that, it’s wise to consult with a financial advisor and attorney before stepping forward. These professionals can help you navigate the complex tax implications and offer advice on how to manage sudden wealth.
Winners also have the choice of taking a lump sum payment or receiving the full amount in annual installments over 30 years. While many choose the immediate cash payout, taking the annuity option can provide a steady income and help mitigate some tax burdens.
What’s Next?
With the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, excitement is building as players across the country hope to join the exclusive club of Mega Millions jackpot winners. Whether you’re a regular player or someone buying a ticket for the first time, the dream of becoming an instant millionaire is captivating enough to keep the ticket sales booming.
If the jackpot isn’t won this Tuesday, the prize will continue to grow, potentially reaching even more historic heights. And while the odds of winning remain slim, the allure of such life-altering wealth ensures that millions will be glued to their screens, waiting for those six magical numbers to be drawn.