Lottery enthusiasts across the United States wait in anticipation as the Mega Millions jackpot reaches a staggering $815 million. This colossal prize is set to be the sixth largest sum in the game’s history since its inception in 2002. Eyes are set on the prize with hopes high to see if someone will emerge as the fortunate winner with an awe-inspiring windfall.
As per the Mega Millions tradition, the winning numbers roll out around 11 p.m. EST each Friday, with eager participants ready to match their tickets against the results. The latest draw, which took place on Friday, March 15, had participants holding their breaths as the numbers were announced.
Should there be a victor for this draw, they would have the option to claim an estimated cash value of $385.1 million—a life-changing amount by any measure. Players around the nation wonder who, if anyone, managed to secure the winning combination on this occasion. The winning numbers for that fateful Friday were 50, 13, 66, 51, and 25, with a Mega Ball of 6, and an impressive 5X Megaplier that could quintuple a player’s winnings.
Fueling the excitement further, Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, sponsors the announcement of these winning digits. As ticketholders anxiously glance at their numbers, they eagerly await any news of jackpot winners.
The results and any subsequent winner announcements are expected to be disclosed on Saturday morning. Curious individuals may visit the Mega Millions website to review the list of past winners and marvel at the fortunes that have been realized through this game of chance.
Enhancing the prospect of substantial gains, most states participate in offering the Megaplier option, which can amplify non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or even five times. For an additional $1 per play, hopefuls can opt-in for this feature, which is decided before the regular Mega Millions drawing takes place. The Megaplier pool, consisting of 15 balls, includes a tiered distribution with different multipliers ready to boost players’ potential winnings.
To partake in the search for millions, you must pay a visit to a local establishment such as a convenience store, gas station, or grocery store. A select few states also offer the convenience of purchasing tickets online. The process entails selecting six numbers; five white balls ranging from 1 to 70, and one gold Mega Ball, numbered between 1 and 25.
For those who feel daunted by the odds, a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick” may be the way to go, where a computer will randomly select the numbers for you. The option to add the Megaplier with an additional dollar not only exists but also can multiply non-jackpot winnings for Tuesday and Friday draws—a feature that tantalizes players aiming for hefty payouts.
To put the scale of winnings into perspective, here’s a look at the six largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won:
1. $1.537 billion – Oct. 2018 – South Carolina
2. $1.05 billion – Jan. 2021 – Michigan
3. $656 million – Mar. 2012 – Kansas, Illinois, Maryland
4. $648 million – Dec. 2013 – California, Georgia
5. $543 million – Jul. 2018 – California
6. $536 million – Jul. 2016 – Indiana
While purchasing tickets is often done in person at various points of sale, the online platform Jackpocket offers an alternative. Serving as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket is available in numerous U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and more. The Jackpocket app simplifies the lottery experience, allowing users to select games, choose numbers, order tickets, and even collect winnings all from the convenience of a phone or computer.
Jackpocket operates within the guidelines of responsible gaming, providing help for gambling concerns and discouraging underage participation. Gamblers in need of assistance are urged to reach out to various helplines and visit jackpocket.com/tos for comprehensive terms of service.
The question remains—who will take home the immense $815 million jackpot? With fortunes ready to be made, the excitement is palpable as America waits to see who, if anyone, will claim the grand prize.
