The anticipation is mounting as the Mega Millions jackpot continues an upward surge, with the prize pool now nearing the $700 million mark, a sum that has remained elusive since the last draw in December 2023. The swelling jackpot is set to be drawn on Tuesday night, and as it stands, the estimated prize sits at a staggering $650 million. Those opting for the cash option would walk away with a monumental $308.6 million, an amount that, while considerable, still does not eclipse the record Mega Millions prize.
It was a late summer’s day in August 2023 when the Mega Millions lottery made history. A single ticket, sold in Neptune Beach, Florida, secured a jackpot of $1.602 billion, cementing its place as the largest jackpot ever won in the game’s history. As attention once again turns to the potential of a life-changing win, the Mega Millions draws continue twice weekly. Every Tuesday and Friday, at approximately 11 p.m. EST, numbers are drawn, and fortunes are made.
But ahead of the intriguing next drawing on Tuesday, March 5, let’s dive into the details of what you need to know about the Mega Millions. The lottery recently announced the winning numbers for the Friday, March 1 draw, which were 15, 33, 37, 55, and 61, with the Mega Ball landing on 24. The Megaplier for that draw was 4X, although no one claimed the jackpot or the Match 5 $1 million prize.
The Mega Millions numbers are drawn twice a week and are brought to the public courtesy of Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY network. Most states participate in the Megaplier option, a feature that amplifies non-jackpot prizes two to fivefold, provided players have opted in with the additional $1 per play. The Megaplier itself is selected before each Mega Millions draw, with odds set by the number of balls in play.
For those wishing to try their luck, a Mega Millions ticket costs $2 per play. Prizes range across nine different tiers, from the jackpot to minor amounts of $2. Players must select five numbers from a set of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Automatic selection options, such as Easy Pick or Quick Pick, can help those who prefer to leave their fate to chance. Winning the jackpot requires a match of all six winning numbers.
There are also 15 Megaplier balls, adding a layer of suspense to the non-grand prize winnings. Lottery enthusiasts can purchase their tickets physically at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, with some airport terminals offering ticket sales as well.
If a trip to the store is not feasible, Mega Millions tickets can also be bought online through Jackpocket in several U.S. states and territories. This digital lottery courier service, partnered with USA TODAY Network, allows players to conveniently choose their numbers, order tickets, view their purchased tickets, and even collect winnings through the convenience of their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket has emerged as a leading provider by becoming the USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery courier. While it brings the thrill of the lottery directly to consumers, Jackpocket reminds players to gamble responsibly. Players must meet the minimum age requirement, which varies by location.
As the draw looms, many are holding their breath, dreaming of what they could do with the almost $700 million prize—undoubtedly, a jackpot of this magnitude has the power to transform lives and etch names into the annals of lottery legend. Will this Tuesday’s drawing bring forth a new multi-millionaire, or will the prize continue to climb, inciting even greater dreams of riches amongst hopeful players everywhere? Only time, and luck, will tell.
