Current:Home > MarketsMega Millions jackpot approaching $1 billion: 5 prior times lottery game has made billionaires -LegacyCapital
Mega Millions jackpot approaching $1 billion: 5 prior times lottery game has made billionaires
View
Date:2025-04-14 07:26:21
The Mega Millions jackpot is creeping towards the $1 billion mark. If no one wins the next drawing on Friday, the jackpot will exceed $1 billion, making it one of the largest jackpots in the game's history.
Only five previous jackpots have passed this threshold, according to Mega Millions.
The current jackpot sits at an estimated $977 million after no one won Tuesday's drawing, still the sixth-largest prize in the game's history. The cash option is $461 million, according to the lottery.
The largest jackpot ever won in the Mega Millions lottery was in August 2023, when a single ticket won the $1.602 billion prize out of Neptune Beach, Florida.
What are the largest Mega Millions jackpots ever?
Here are the six largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won, according to the lottery:
- $1.602 billion from one winning ticket in Florida in August 2023
- $1.537 billion from one winning ticket in October 2018 in South Carolina
- $1.35 billion from one winning ticket in January 2023 in Maine
- $1.34 billion from one winning ticket in July 2022 in Illinois
- $1.050 billion from one winning ticket in January 2021 in Michigan
- Current jackpot: $977 million
How to play the Mega Millions
In order to purchase a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.
If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.
Players can add the "Megaplier" for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
- 2X, five balls
- 3X, six balls
- 4X, three balls
- 5X, one ball
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Contributing: Emily DeLetter
veryGood! (8973)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- North Korea’s reported use of a nuclear complex reactor might be an attempt to make bomb fuels
- NASA releases image of 'Christmas Tree Cluster': How the stars got the festive nickname
- Busiest holiday travel season in years is off to a smooth start with few airport delays
- NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
- Holiday togetherness can also mean family fights. But there are ways to try to sidestep the drama
- Man accused of attacking Muslim lawmaker in Connecticut ordered to undergo psych exam
- Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery by former assistant in lawsuit
- RFK Jr. closer to getting on New Jersey ballot after judge rules he didn’t violate ‘sore loser’ law
- Remy and the Jets: How passing down my love (and hate) of sports brings so much joy
Ranking
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Amanda Bynes Wants This Job Instead After Brief Return to the Spotlight
- Travis Kelce's Shirtless Spa Video Is the Definition of Steamy
- 2023 was the year return-to-office died. Experts share remote work trends expected in 2024
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket
- Remy and the Jets: How passing down my love (and hate) of sports brings so much joy
- Colorado Supreme Court justices getting violent threats after their ruling against Trump, report says
- Powerball winning numbers for Wednesday's $572 million jackpot: Check your tickets
Recommendation
Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
AP-Week in Pictures-North America
Exclusive: Sia crowns Katurah Topps as her favorite 'Survivor' after the season 45 finale
Louisiana high court temporarily removes Judge Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench amid probe
Exclusive: Sia crowns Katurah Topps as her favorite 'Survivor' after the season 45 finale
Democrats in Congress call for action on flaws in terrorist watchlist
Jury clears 3 Tacoma officers of all charges in 2020 death of Manny Ellis