In what continues to be an exhilarating stretch for lottery enthusiasts, the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has reached an estimated $489 million. This comes after no ticket matched all the winning numbers in last Friday’s draw, leaving hopeful players with their eyes on an even larger prize.
The winning numbers for the Friday draw were announced around 11 p.m. ET, sparking anticipation and excitement across the nation. The numbers drawn were 46, 54, 56, 67, and 70, with the Mega Ball numbered 16 and the Megaplier at 3X. Despite the absence of a jackpot winner, the anticipation continues to build as the potential payout grows more tantalizing.
Had there been a single winner holding the $453 million jackpot-winning ticket on Friday, they would have had the option to take a lump-sum payment, valued at $209.8 million after taxes.
March saw the last jackpot winner, a player in New Jersey, who claimed a staggering $1.13 billion prize, marking the first Mega Millions jackpot win of the year. As the jackpot grows again, players nationwide are lining up for their chance at a piece of the pie.
Winning lottery numbers are provided courtesy of Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Mega Millions players eagerly await each draw, hopeful that their numbers will be the next to bring life-changing wealth. Friday’s draw may have passed without a jackpot winner, but Tuesday’s forthcoming draw boasts a prospective $489 million prize, raising the stakes and excitement even higher.
While no one clinched the grand prize on Friday, several other players across the country found their luck with other significant prizes. In California, two players each won $1 million by matching all five white ball numbers for the Match 5. In Texas, another fortunate individual doubled their joy with a $3 million win by matching the Match 5 numbers along with the Megaplier.
Interested in past winners? You can find a comprehensive list by visiting the Mega Millions website, offering a curated history of fortunate individuals who have struck it rich.
For those hoping to participate in the lottery, tickets are readily available for purchase at various locations such as local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Additionally, a handful of states permit the purchase of tickets online.
Playing the game is straightforward.
. Players must select six numbers: five white ball numbers ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. If the thought of picking their own numbers is daunting, players have the option to opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly selects the numbers for them.
To add an extra layer of excitement, players can choose to include the “Megaplier” for an additional $1. This option can multiply non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or even five times. The Megaplier number is drawn ahead of the Mega Millions numbers every Tuesday and Friday evening.
Fifteen different Megaplier balls are included in the draw, each with the potential to significantly boost a player’s prize.
Tickets for the Mega Millions lottery can be purchased in-person at various retail points including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Certain airport terminals also offer lottery tickets for sale.
For added convenience, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket, which serves as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network. This service is available in numerous U.S. 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. The Jackpocket app allows users to pick their numbers, place an order, view their ticket, and collect winnings, all with the convenience of their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket presents a seamless way to participate in the lottery, offering ease of access and the ability to manage tickets digitally. It should be noted that participants must be of legal age: 18+ in most states, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any state lottery and offers support for responsible gambling. If gambling becomes a problem, players are urged to seek help through available support lines such as 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or various state-specific resources.
As the jackpot amounts rise, so does the sense of anticipation and excitement shared by millions of hopeful players. Tuesday’s Mega Millions draw promises to be an event to watch, with a life-altering $489 million at stake. Will anyone come forward with the golden ticket? Only time will tell, so get your tickets ready and keep your fingers crossed!
