The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has surged to an estimated $489 million after no tickets matched all six numbers to claim Friday’s grand prize. The numbers were drawn at around 11 p.m. ET, revealing the results that left players across the nation anticipating their potential windfall.
Had a fortunate individual managed to secure the $453 million pot on Friday, their immediate post-tax lump sum payout would have been an impressive $209.8 million. Such a windfall would inspire envy, but it was not meant to be. Instead, the jackpot continues to grow, creating even more excitement for the upcoming draw.
Back in March, a momentous event took place when a player in New Jersey won the first Mega Millions jackpot of the year, pocketing a colossal $1.13 billion. This historic moment serves as a reminder of the life-changing potential lottery games can hold.
For those eager to see if they held the winning ticket for the May 24 Mega Millions drawing, the numbers to look out for were: 46, 54, 56, 67, 70, and the Mega Ball was 16. The Megaplier number was 3X, which could have enhanced non-jackpot winnings if applied.
Though there were no jackpot winners on Friday, the draw was not without its successes. Two players in California each matched all five white ball numbers, netting $1 million each for the Match 5. Meanwhile, a lucky player in Texas turned their Match 5 ticket, coupled with the Megaplier, into an impressive $3 million.
Mega Millions enthusiasts are encouraged to get their tickets ready, as the excitement builds for Tuesday night’s hefty $489 million jackpot.
. Those interested in past winners or who want more details on the lottery can visit the official Mega Millions website for a comprehensive list.
Participating in Mega Millions is simple. Tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. A few states even allow the purchase of tickets online, making it even more convenient for those who wish to join the fray.
To play, participants select six numbers in total; five numbers are drawn from white balls numbered 1 through 70, and the gold Mega Ball is a single number from 1 to 25. For those who find decision-making overwhelming, the “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” options allow the computer to randomly generate numbers on your behalf.
For an extra $1, players can add the “Megaplier” to their ticket, potentially multiplying non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or five times. The Megaplier number is drawn just before the main Mega Millions numbers on both Tuesday and Friday nights, adding an extra layer of anticipation.
Mega Millions tickets can also be purchased online in select states and territories using the Jackpocket app, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. The app, available in states including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, and more, allows you to conveniently select your game and numbers, place an order, view your ticket, and collect your winnings all from your mobile device or home computer.
Another advantage of using Jackpocket is the seamless experience it offers. Not only does it simplify the purchasing process, but it also serves as a handy tool for tracking your lottery activities. For those worried about potential gambling issues, Jackpocket provides contact information for various support resources.
As Mega Millions continues to build towards what could be another historic payout, players are urged to buy their tickets and hold onto hope. Whether you’re a seasoned lottery player or a newcomer, the dream of hitting that massive jackpot is a thrilling prospect. With the upcoming draw promising excitement, the nation waits with bated breath to see if someone will finally match all numbers and claim their life-altering prize.
