As the excitement builds, lottery enthusiasts around the country are setting their sights on the ever-growing Mega Millions jackpot, which has surged to an impressive estimated $284 million for the next drawing this Friday. The multi-state lottery game has been drawing in players with the promise of life-changing wealth, and anticipation is especially high following a series of draws without a jackpot winner.
The winning numbers that could potentially turn a lucky ticket holder into a multimillionaire are set to be announced around 11 p.m. ET this Friday. Those eager to see if fortune favors them will be waiting with bated breath as the results will be posted below after being released.
Should there be a winner of the $284 million Mega Millions jackpot this Friday, this fortuitous individual stands to claim approximately $130 million after federal and state taxes are deducted. Such a win would mark a significant addition to the list of Mega Millions winners, following closely behind a New Jersey player who struck gold in March, landing the first jackpot of the year, which was a staggering $1.13 billion bounty.
The May 3 drawing could potentially add another name to the winner’s circle, with participants across the country hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous victors. Friday’s winning numbers will be updated here once they are made publicly available.
Lottery participants often stay tuned to updates for these winning numbers, and many rely on Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, which sponsors this announcement.
Once the draw is completed, those who purchased tickets are urged to keep them within arm’s reach, as all winners will be announced and listed on the Mega Millions official website.
For those looking to join the ranks of hopeful winners, purchasing a ticket is simple but needs a visit to your local licensed retail locations such as convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. However, it is interesting to note that tickets can also be bought online in several states—a modern convenience for the digital age.
Playing Mega Millions involves selecting six numbers; these include five white balls with numbers ranging from 1 to 70, and then choosing the distinctive gold ‘Mega Ball,’ which has a range of 1 to 25. For those who may feel daunted by the odds, opting for a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick” lets the computer randomly generate the selection for you.
Additionally, players can enhance their winning potential aside from the jackpot by using the “Megaplier” feature, which costs an extra dollar. This option can multiply non-jackpot prizes by two to five times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn on the night of the drawing.
With 15 Megaplier balls in the mix, the resulting possible combinations add another layer of excitement to the game.
Interested participants can pick up their tickets in person, but for those who prefer the digital path, Jackpocket is available in several U.S. 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. This app provides a comprehensive lottery experience, letting players choose their games and numbers, order their tickets, and collect winnings, all from the convenience of their phone or computer.
As a responsible gaming advocate, Jackpocket offers support for those who may need it, providing contacts for helplines and promoting their services to adults only, according to the varied age requirements by state laws.
So as the clock ticks closer to the next Mega Millions drawing, anticipation sweeps the nation. Which lucky player will become the next multi-millionaire, and will the jackpot continue to grow? Stay tuned for the reveal of the winning numbers and perhaps the next fortunate success story.
