In a thrilling turn of events for lottery aficionados, the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has ascended to an impressive $97 million. This hike in the jackpot comes after the latest drawing on Friday yielded no grand prize winner, leaving the pot to swell even further.
As the clock struck just after 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the highly anticipated Mega Millions numbers were drawn, and the results are now available for eager participants and enthusiasts. One fortunate individual stands a chance to walk away with an estimated cash value of $46.4 million if they opt for a lump-sum payout, as per lottery officials.
The past year has already seen two Mega Millions jackpot winners. The first, a staggering $1.13 billion, was claimed by a New Jersey player in March. More recently, a player in Illinois pocketed a hefty $552 million earlier this month. These massive wins have only fueled the excitement and thrill surrounding the Mega Millions lottery.
The winning numbers for the Tuesday, June 25 Mega Millions drawing were as follows: 3, 16, 27, 47, 62, with the Mega Ball being 8 and the Megaplier set at 4X. As always, these numbers were sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
In other lottery-related news, Michael J. Zapien, a Powerball winner now known to the public, described how he ‘prayed to God’ for his win, an anecdote that resonates with many hopeful lottery players who dream of their life-changing moment. The winners of Tuesday’s drawing will be displayed as soon as the information becomes available, adding to the excitement and anticipation.
For those looking to join the fray, purchasing a Mega Millions ticket is a straightforward affair. Tickets can be bought at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. In some states, the convenience extends to online purchases, making it easier than ever to try one’s luck. To enter, players must select six numbers: five from a set of white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball from numbers 1 to 25.
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For those who might feel overwhelmed by the odds or choosing their own numbers, there’s always the option of a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly generates the numbers.
To add an extra layer of excitement, participants can opt for the “Megaplier” feature for an additional $1 per play. This special feature can multiply non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or even 5 times, significantly boosting the payout. The Megaplier number is selected before the main Mega Millions numbers during Tuesday and Friday drawings.
The Mega Millions game boasts a total of 15 Megaplier balls, enhancing players’ chances to maximize their winnings. Tickets, as mentioned, can be acquired from various retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals, providing ample opportunities to get in on the game.
In addition to in-person purchases, lottery players in certain U.S. states can use the Jackpocket app to buy their tickets online. This app, official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, is available in states including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, 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 makes the process seamless by allowing users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place an order, view their ticket, and even collect winnings—all from their smartphone or computer. However, it’s crucial to note that users must meet the minimum age requirements: 18 years or older generally, 21 years or older in Arizona, and 19 years or older in Nebraska.
For those grappling with a gambling problem, there are resources available for support. Each state offers hotlines and services to assist those in need. For example, New Yorkers can call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY, while Massachusetts residents can call 1-800-327-5050. For those in Oregon, the number is 1-877-MYLIMIT, in Puerto Rico, it’s 1-800-981-0023, and for all other states, the national hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming jackpot draw, the dream of hitting it big keeps millions of players on the edge of their seats, tickets in hand. May the odds be ever in their favor.
