The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions lottery is mounting, as the jackpot for the upcoming Friday drawing has surged to an estimated $228 million. This increase comes in the wake of no ticket matching all six numbers in the previous draw. Lottery enthusiasts are now buzzing with anticipation, awaiting the drawing that will take place at around 11 p.m. ET this Friday, with the fate of the substantial sum hanging in the balance.
Should a fortunate individual manage to scoop up the $228 million Mega Millions prize this Friday, they would find themselves in possession of an estimated $102.5 million after the taxman takes his share. Such a windfall would indeed be life-changing, following in the footsteps of a recent Mega Millions milestone; just a few weeks prior, a lucky player from New Jersey secured the first jackpot of the year – a staggering $1.13 billion.
Those eager to know if their dreams of opulence have come true should make a note of the winning numbers for Friday, April 26. The numbers that could potentially alter the course of someone’s life forever are 15-23-53-57-61, with the critical Mega Ball being 9. Moreover, the Megaplier in play was 3X, which has the potential to multiply non-jackpot prizes considerably.
Lottery players are reminded to keep their tickets close at hand as the Mega Millions results are made public, with winners set to be posted promptly after the draw. Curious minds and hopeful hearts can also check the Mega Millions website for a list of past lucky winners.
Participation in the Mega Millions requires a visit to a local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store, though residents of select states have the luxury of purchasing their hopeful tickets online. To enter, players must select six numbers, with five being white balls ranging from 1 to 70, and the sixth, the gold Mega Ball, between 1 and 25.
For those who feel the odds may be stacked against them, opting for a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick” is an alternative, where numbers are randomly selected by the computer. An additional feature that players can add for a nominal fee is the “Megaplier,” which significantly enhances non-grand prize winnings by two to five times when matched. The Megaplier is determined in a draw preceding the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
In total, there are 15 possible Megaplier balls, each adding an element of thrill to the game. Tickets for this enthralling lottery can be purchased at various establishments, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, with some airport terminals also offering lottery ticket sales.
For even more convenience, tickets can be ordered through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, accessible in a list of U.S. states and territories such as Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, and many more. The Jackpocket app enables users to select their lottery game and numbers, place their order, and even collect winnings, all from the comfort of their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket serves as the official digital link to the lottery for the USA TODAY Network. It is important to note that Gannett may earn revenue from referrals to Jackpocket services. Participants must be 18+ to play, with the age requirement being 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska. It should be emphasized that Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Lastly, Jackpocket reminds us that for those who may be struggling with a gambling problem, help is available through various helplines and resources listed on their terms of service page.
