A wave of anticipation sweeps across the United States as the prizes for the nation’s most played lottery games escalate to eye-popping amounts. The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are the center of attention, growing unchecked over recent months and now reaching near-historic levels. Those with dreams of striking it rich are closely watching as the combined jackpots inch towards the $2 billion mark with fervor.
On the Mega Millions front, Tuesday night’s drawing has passed with no claim to its gargantuan $977 million jackpot. As a result, this prize fund sits ripe for the taking. Meanwhile, the Powerball follows closely on its heels with a mighty $750 million at stake after Wednesday’s drawing. Should a fortunate individual select the cash option upon winning, they could find themselves in possession of $461 million and $357.3 million, respectively, once taxes have been settled.
The grandeur of the Mega Millions prize traces back to December 2023, when two tickets sold in California shared a $394 million jackpot. Since then, no one has been able to match the game’s numbers. Similarly, the Powerball jackpot has been swelling since the New Year when a ticket in Michigan seized an $842 million prize.
For those feeling lucky and willing to take a chance on the lottery, it’s an opportune moment. It is wise, however, to keep a low profile if you find yourself the winner of the Mega Millions jackpot. Picking your numbers might feel daunting, but some believe strategies could increase your odds for both Mega Millions and Powerball.
Drawings for Mega Millions take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, with lottery players eagerly awaiting the next event scheduled for Friday, March 22. The most recent draw on Tuesday, March 19, showcased numbers 24, 46, 49, 62, and 66, plus Mega Ball 7 and a 2X Megaplier. There were some celebrations with Match 5 winners identified in California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia, although the jackpot remained unclaimed.
Sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, winning lottery numbers offer participants a shot at a new life. For Powerball enthusiasts, the wait is until every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET for the chance to turn their luck around. The upcoming drawing is slated for Saturday, March 23. The Wednesday, March 20 drawing yielded the numbers 13, 22, 27, 54, and 66, with Powerball 9 and a 2X Power Play, yet without producing either jackpot or Match 5 + Power Play $2 million winners.
Both Powerball and Mega Millions are renowned for orchestrating the largest jackpot lotteries in the U.S., with numerous records shattered in the last few years alone. A look at lottery annals reveals the 10 heftiest Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots to ever be won, reflecting the staggering sums these games occasionally offer.
For those eager to partake, lottery tickets are accessible at numerous brick-and-mortar locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores — some airport terminals even offer the chance to purchase that potential golden ticket.
Jackpocket also affords an alternative method of participation. Operating as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket allows players in select states and territories — Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia — to buy tickets online. The platform provides a full-service experience where you can select your game and numbers, place your order, conveniently check your ticket, and hopefully, collect your winnings, all from the comfort of your phone or computer.
While the excitement and dreams of wealth entice many, it is imperative to play responsibly. Jackpocket reminds users to be 18 years of age or older, with the bar raised to 21 in Arizona and 19 in Nebraska. It’s also essential to acknowledge that Jackpocket is not associated with any State Lottery. Those facing gambling issues are encouraged to seek help through provided support numbers. Full terms can be found on Jackpocket’s website, as they look to foster a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. The next drawing could be the moment lifelong dreams are realized, and with stakes this high, the allure of the lotto is stronger than ever.
