In a remarkable turn of events, the Mega Millions jackpot for this Friday’s drawing has surged to an estimated $453 million after no one claimed the grand prize in the Tuesday night drawing. The winning numbers were selected at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and the results are now in.
Should a lucky participant scoop the $453 million Mega Millions jackpot, they could potentially walk away with an estimated cash value of $211.3 million, offered as a lump-sum payment after taxes are deducted. This figure alone has captured the imaginations of lottery players across the nation, fueling a renewed frenzy for Mega Millions tickets.
Earlier this year, in March, a fortunate player from New Jersey secured the first Mega Millions jackpot of the year, an astonishing $1.13 billion. The monumental win has set a high bar for this year’s lottery frenzy.
For those keen to test their luck, here are the winning numbers from Tuesday, May 21’s Mega Millions drawing: 2, 5, 8, 28, and 69. The Megaball was 14, and the Megaplier was 2X.
This pivotal financial opportunity is sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. While there were no grand prize winners in Tuesday’s drawing, the night did yield several big wins. A Match 5 prize was claimed in California, and a player in Louisiana secured a Match 5 + Megaplier win.
For those intrigued by past winners or looking for further information, the Mega Millions website hosts a comprehensive list of past results and winners.
To participate in this life-changing draw, prospective players must purchase their tickets from local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. Additionally, a select number of states allow tickets to be purchased online.
Playing Mega Millions is a straightforward process: players need to choose six numbers. Five of these numbers are white balls, each ranging between 1 and 70. The sixth number, the gold Mega Ball, is chosen from a pool of numbers between 1 and 25. For those who feel that the odds are daunting, an option known as “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” is available, where the computer generates the numbers randomly on behalf of the player.
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To further enhance the gaming experience, players can opt to add the “Megaplier” for an extra $1. This feature can significantly increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or even five times. The Megaplier is drawn immediately before the Mega Millions numbers every Tuesday and Friday night.
Currently, there are 15 Megaplier balls in the lottery pool, each one providing players with an additional chance to magnify their winnings.
Tickets can be purchased in person from a variety of outlets including gas stations, convenience stores, and even some airport terminals. For those in the digital age, tickets can also be purchased online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket services are available in numerous U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
The Jackpocket app offers a seamless experience, allowing users to select their lottery game and numbers, place orders, and view their tickets—all from the convenience of a mobile phone or home computer. Additionally, winners can also collect their earnings through the app, making the entire lottery experience more accessible and user-friendly.
It’s important to note that Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network, and Gannett, the parent company, may earn revenue through audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Participants must meet age requirements to play, which are 18 or older, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. For those who might need assistance, the following resources are available for gambling problems: 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) for New York, 1-800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, 1-800-981-0023 for Puerto Rico, and 1-800-GAMBLER for all other areas. For full terms, visit jackpocket.com/tos.
As the clock ticks closer to Friday’s Mega Millions draw, the anticipation and excitement continue to build. Who knows? The next big winner could be you.
