The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has ascended to an impressive $489 million, following the absence of a grand prize winner in last Friday’s drawing. The ambitious prize has ignited widespread excitement among hopeful participants nationwide.
On Friday evening, the eagerly awaited Mega Millions numbers were drawn around 11 p.m. ET. Despite the towering $453 million jackpot up for grabs, no ticket claimed the ultimate prize. Had there been a fortunate winner, they could have opted for a lump-sum payment of $209.8 million after taxes—an offer many find challenging to resist.
This year has already witnessed notable jackpots, including an enormous $1.13 billion bounty secured by a New Jersey player in March—the inaugural Mega Millions jackpot victory of 2023. As the anticipation builds for Tuesday’s draw, many are hoping for a similar stroke of luck.
Taking a closer look at the lucky numbers drawn on Friday, May 24, they were 46, 54, 56, 67, and 70, with the Mega Ball being 16. The Megaplier number was 3X, doubling the intrigue for those who chose to enhance their winnings with this option.
Although the grand prize went unclaimed, there were significant wins on Friday. Two participants from California successfully matched all five white ball numbers, each earning them a substantial $1 million. Additionally, a Texas player walked away with a staggering $3 million, thanks to matching the five white balls plus the Megaplier.
In light of these developments, Mega Millions enthusiasts are advised to ready their tickets as the jackpot continues its astronomical climb. For those looking to check the history of winners, the Mega Millions website offers a comprehensive list of past victors, providing an interesting scroll through a record of lucky numbers and their lucky holders.
For those eager to participate in the upcoming draw, purchasing a ticket is a simple process. Tickets can be acquired at various local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Furthermore, in select states, tickets can also be purchased online, making the process even more accessible.
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The mechanics of the game require players to choose six numbers: five white ball numbers ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. For those less inclined to trust their number-picking prowess, the “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” options are available, where a computer randomly selects the numbers on the player’s behalf.
To augment the excitement and potential winnings, participants can opt for the “Megaplier” for an additional $1. This feature multiplies non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, or five times, significantly boosting potential prizes. The Megaplier is determined prior to the Mega Millions drawing, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
With 15 Megaplier balls in total, it’s always a game of chance that could dramatically shift one’s fortune. Tickets for the draw are widely available for purchase at gas stations, convenience marts, and grocery stores. Additionally, some airport terminals are known to sell lottery tickets, catering to the traveling dreamers.
In the digital age, ticket purchasing has moved online. Through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network, players in certain U.S. states can buy tickets digitally. States where this service is available include 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 service allows users to pick their game and numbers, place orders, monitor their tickets, and collect winnings—all through their phone or computer.
Jackpocket, while the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network, is not affiliated with any State Lottery. They do have an age restriction—players must be 18 years old to participate, with exceptions in certain states like Arizona (21+) and Nebraska (19+). Additionally, they promote responsible gambling, offering helpline numbers for those who may need assistance.
As the anticipation for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing surges, participants across the country are dreaming big. The soaring jackpot of $489 million has undoubtedly captured the imaginations of many, all eager to see if they will be the lucky ones to make history in the next draw.
