The anticipation is palpable as the Mega Millions jackpot for Friday’s drawing has surged to an astonishing $522 million. This climb in the jackpot comes after no participant managed to secure the winning numbers in Tuesday’s draw. Enthusiasts of the lottery game are now fervently awaiting the next opportunity, scheduled to take place around 11 p.m. ET on Friday. The results will be promptly shared as soon as they are available.
For the fortunate individual who succeeds in winning the $522 million jackpot, the option exists to claim a one-time lump-sum payment of $240.8 million after taxes—a life-altering sum. The Mega Millions game, notorious for creating instant multi-millionaires, hit a significant milestone earlier this year when a player from New Jersey won an eye-popping $1.13 billion in March, marking the first Mega Millions jackpot win of the year.
As the clock ticks down to the big draw, hopeful players are eagerly checking their tickets and dreaming of what could be. The lottery landscape is buzzing with stories of remarkable wins, including that of a woman who incredibly won a $1 million scratch-off prize twice within less than ten weeks.
The winning numbers for the highly anticipated Friday draw will be displayed here immediately after the draw. This captivating moment, sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, will have millions of pairs of eyes glued to their screens.
For those keen on diving into the world of Mega Millions, acquiring a ticket is straightforward. Tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Additionally, in a select number of states, you have the option to snag your ticket online.
Playing Mega Millions involves selecting six numbers. Five of these numbers are white balls ranging from 1 to 70, while the final number, the gold Mega Ball, can be any number between 1 and 25. If you’re feeling unsure about picking your own numbers, you can opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” and let the computer randomly generate the numbers for you.
To potentially increase your winnings—though not the grand prize—you can add the “Megaplier” for an extra $1.
. This feature can amplify non-jackpot wins by two, three, four, or even five times. It’s worth noting that the Megaplier is drawn separately before the Mega Millions numbers on both Tuesday and Friday nights.
The excitement of purchasing a ticket can be found in various locations. Beyond the traditional in-person purchases at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, some airport terminals also sell lottery tickets, making it easy to grab a chance while on the go.
For those who prefer the convenience of digital transactions, online ticket purchases are available through Jackpocket in numerous U.S. states and territories. These 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. The Jackpocket app simplifies the process, letting users choose their game, pick their numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and collect winnings—all from their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket’s role as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network underscores the growing trend of digital convenience in the lottery world. It’s important to remember that Gannett, the publisher, may receive revenue from audience referrals to Jackpocket’s services.
For those 18 years and older (or 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska), diving into the Mega Millions game is a process filled with dreams and potential life-changing outcomes. Those who might have gambling issues are encouraged to seek support through various hotlines and resources specific to their state or territory.
With the Mega Millions drawing imminent, all eyes are on the colossal $522 million jackpot. As the excitement mounts, players across the nation are hoping to match the numbers and turn their wildest dreams into reality. As always, check here after 11 p.m. ET on Friday for the winning numbers and see if you’ve struck it rich. Good luck!
