The anticipation is palpable among lottery enthusiasts as the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has swelled to an estimated $489 million. This spike comes after no one managed to secure the top prize during Friday’s drawing. The winning numbers were pulled around 11 p.m. ET on Friday, and we have detailed the results below.
Had a fortunate player claimed the $453 million jackpot on Friday, they stood a chance to take home a lump-sum cash option of $209.8 million after taxes. The size of the jackpot and the excitement surrounding it have reached fever pitch, echoing the memorable win in New Jersey this past March when a player clinched the first Mega Millions jackpot of the year, amounting to an astounding $1.13 billion.
Here are your winning numbers from the Friday, May 24 Mega Millions drawing: 46, 54, 56, 67, 70, with the Mega Ball being 16, and a Megaplier of 3X. These numbers, sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, hold the potential to change the fortunes of the lucky ones who match them.
Despite no grand prize winner on Friday, the climb in the jackpot has a silver lining for some. Two individuals from California bagged $1 million each by matching all the white ball numbers for the Match 5 category. Another lucky participant from Texas took home an impressive $3 million by matching the same with the additional Megaplier.
For those eager to join in, purchasing a ticket is straightforward. You can visit your local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store to buy a ticket. In some states, you can also make your purchase online. To play the Mega Millions, you will need to select six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70, and one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25.
. If you’re feeling undecided or believe chance might favor you, you have the option to request a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” letting the computer randomly choose your numbers.
Moreover, players have the option of adding a “Megaplier” for an additional $1, which could significantly increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or five times their original amount. The Megaplier is determined before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesdays and Fridays, and out of the 15 Megaplier balls, only one is selected.
If you’re wondering about where you can buy your tickets, it’s more accessible than you might think. In-person purchases can be made at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Interestingly, some airport terminals also sell lottery tickets, making it convenient for travelers to try their luck. Additionally, the Jackpocket app offers a digital option to buy tickets in various states and territories, including 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 allows players to choose their lottery game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and even collect winnings from their phones or home computers.
While Jackpocket serves as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, it’s essential to remember the rules. You must be at least 18 years old (21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska) to participate. Moreover, Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery, and those with a gambling problem should reach out to the appropriate support numbers provided.
In summary, the excitement is building as the Mega Millions jackpot hits a whopping $489 million for Tuesday’s drawing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer feeling lucky, the chance to change your life with just a few numbers has captivated the imagination of many. So, if this appeals to you, make sure to purchase your tickets and keep your fingers crossed. For more information on past winners and helpful tips on how to play, be sure to visit the official Mega Millions website. Who knows? You just might be the next big winner.
