The anticipation is palpable as the Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming Friday drawing has soared to an estimated $453 million, following another drawing night without a grand prize winner. The Mega Millions numbers were drawn on Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET, but sadly, no one walked away with the jackpot. For those just tuning in, here are the winning numbers: 2, 5, 8, 28, and 69, with the Megaball as 14 and the Megaplier at 2X.
Had there been a fortunate winner, they could have opted for a significant cash payout, valued at approximately $211.3 million after taxes. The prize pool continues to swell, driving lottery fever as players dream of striking it rich in the next draw.
Looking back just a couple of months, Mega Millions has already had its memorable moments in 2023. In March, one lucky player from New Jersey claimed the first Mega Millions jackpot of the year, an eye-watering $1.13 billion.
Tuesday’s draw did have some notable winners, though. A Match 5 ticket was sold in California, and a Match 5 + Megaplier ticket was sold in Louisiana. While they didn’t hit the jackpot, these winners will undoubtedly be celebrating their significant payouts. If you’re keen to see a list of past winners or verify any winning ticket, you can always visit the official Mega Millions website for comprehensive information.
For those interested in joining the burgeoning ranks of hopefuls, buying a Mega Millions ticket is straightforward. You’ll need to visit your local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store to purchase a ticket. In a few select states, tickets are also available for online purchase, making it easier than ever to get in on the action.
To play Mega Millions, participants must select six numbers. Five of these will be white balls, numbered from 1 to 70. The sixth number is the gold Mega Ball, which ranges from 1 to 25. If this seems daunting, players can opt for a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly selects the numbers for you, thus simplifying the process.
Another intriguing aspect of the game is the “Megaplier” feature.
. For an additional $1 per ticket, players can increase their non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or even five times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn. This feature can be highly rewarding, giving players an extra incentive to participate.
The Megaplier, drawn separately before the Mega Millions numbers, involves 15 balls. This addition not only gives players more chances to win larger prizes but also adds an exciting layer of suspense to the proceedings.
For those considering buying tickets, it’s worth noting you can find them in various locations. Apart from the ubiquitous gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, some airport terminals even sell Mega Millions tickets, perfect for travelers feeling lucky.
Alternatively, in select U.S. states and territories, tickets can be purchased online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. These regions include 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 allows users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place orders, view their tickets, and even collect winnings all from the convenience of their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket maintains a strong partnership with the USA TODAY Network and serves as its official digital lottery courier. It’s important to note that Gannett, the network’s parent company, may earn revenue through referrals to Jackpocket services. Prospective players must be within the age limits of 18+ (21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska) to participate.
For those grappling with gambling issues, numerous support options are available. For instance, the number to call in New York is 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). Massachusetts residents can contact 1-800-327-5050, Oregon residents 1-877-MYLIMIT, Puerto Rico residents 1-800-981-0023, and all other states can reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER. Full terms are available on the Jackpocket website.
As the excitement builds for the next Mega Millions draw, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the allure of potentially life-changing winnings is undeniable. Stay tuned and keep an eye on those winning numbers – the next jackpot winner could be you.
