Anticipation is building across the United States as lottery enthusiasts and casual players alike set their sights on the Mega Millions jackpot. With the stakes higher than they’ve been in months, the upcoming drawing is capturing the attention of millions, offering a prize pool that ranks as the sixth-largest in the history of the game. The jackpot, which has swelled to a staggering $735 million, comes with a cash option of $356.7 million before taxes, fueling dreams of wealth and luxury among hopeful Americans.
The drawing slated for Tuesday has generated a nationwide buzz after a long period without a jackpot winner. The coveted top prize has been elusive since December of last year, with the last significant win occurring when two fortuitous ticket holders in California shared a $394 million windfall. This current jackpot has the potential to surpass that, raising expectations and excitement.
The largest prize in Mega Millions history was claimed in August 2023, an eye-watering $1.602 billion jackpot that went to a single ticket in Neptune Beach, Florida. This week’s drawing could edge closer to that record should the jackpot roll over once again.
The Mega Millions lottery, which conducts drawings twice a week—every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, is set to draw again this Tuesday, March 12. In the most recent drawing on Friday, March 8, the winning numbers unveiled were 19, 20, 22, 47, and 58, with the Mega Ball at 1 and a Megaplier of 3X. Although no one claimed the jackpot in that round, there were Match 5 $1 million victors in the states of Georgia and Texas.
Aspiring millionaires can enhance their winnings through the optional Megaplier feature, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by two to five times for an additional $1 per play. Before each Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier number is selected from a set of 15 balls, amongst which five are marked “2X,” three with “4X,” and one with “5X.”
For those intent on testing their luck, Mega Millions tickets are available for $2 per play and can be bought at various outlets, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. There are nine ways to win a prize in the Mega Millions lottery, starting from $2 up to the jackpot. Players must pick five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 and a single Mega Ball number from 1 to 25, or they can opt for the Easy Pick or Quick Pick, allowing the terminal to randomly select numbers for them.
For a broader reach, lottery tickets can also be purchased online in select locations through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This digital platform is available in a host of U.S. states and territories, enabling participants to choose their lottery game, pick numbers, and manage tickets all from the convenience of their mobile devices or computers.
As the next Mega Millions drawing approaches, retailers are bracing for an onslaught of lottery ticket buyers, with dreams of massive wealth hanging in the balance. The six largest Mega Millions jackpots stand as testament to the life-changing nature of such wins, and this week’s drawing could make history once more.
It should be noted that participating in the lottery requires responsible play. Jackpocket serves as the liaison for players and is not directly affiliated with any state lottery. Potential players must be of legal age to play, which varies by jurisdiction, and have access to support in the event of gambling-related issues.
As the clock ticks closer to the next Mega Millions drawing, the question on everyone’s mind is who will become the next multi-millionaire—or will the jackpot climb even higher?
