Lottery fever is gripping the nation as the Mega Millions jackpot continues its meteoric ascent, with the prize pot verging on a staggering $800 million. The next draw, drawing closer each day, ignites dreams of wealth amid citizens with no one having struck it lucky since December of last year. The jackpot currently looms at an estimated $792 million, accompanied by a $381.8 million cash lump sum should a winner opt for an immediate payout, positioning itself as the sixth-largest windfall in the revered history of the game.
The last time the Mega Millions had winners was in December 2023, when a pair of fortunate players in California evenly split the $394 million jackpot. To date, the bulkiest jackpot that the Mega Millions has bestowed was claimed in August 2023, with a solo Florida ticket from Neptune Beach laying claim to the colossal $1.602 billion bonanza.
The next Mega Millions drawing beckons, and with it comes the anticipation of potentially life-changing digits. Aficionados eager to try their luck should mark their calendars for the upcoming Friday, March 15 drawing. On the most recent Tuesday, March 12 draw, the sequence that unfurled was 2, 16, 31, 57, and 64, with 24 as the Mega Ball and a 3X Megaplier.
While the zenith of the jackpot has gone unclaimed, a silver lining emerged with two Match 5 $1 million victors from Massachusetts and North Carolina. These winning sequences are brought to you by Jackpocket, the officially recognized digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, the fate of hopefuls is sealed with the Mega Millions drawing. The anticipated excitement is enhanced by the Megaplier feature, available in most states, magnifying non-jackpot winnings by two to five times at the cost of an additional dollar per play. As the regular draw commences, so too does the Megaplier with its set of 15 balls, promising amplified winnings.
Mega Millions tickets are a gateway to chance for a mere $2 per play, offering nine ways to win varying prizes, up to the coveted jackpot. Select five numbers ranging from 1 to 70 alongside a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25, or entrust fate to Easy Pick or Quick Pick for machine-generated choices. To seize the grand prize, all six numbers on the ticket must mirror those drawn.
The temptation of the “Megaplier” looms large for players who seek heightened rewards, for an extra dollar could multiply the non-jackpot winnings significantly. This multiplier is meticulously drawn before the Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions numbers are decided.
For those entranced by the prospect of riches, Mega Millions tickets can be acquired at a variety of everyday locations including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Certain airport terminals may even dispense your lottery ticket along your journey.
In the digital age, purchasing tickets has become expedient through online services such as Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Accessible in various U.S. states and territories, Jackpocket makes it feasible to select your lottery game and numbers, secure your ticket, and even collect winnings, all from the palm of your hand or comfort of your home via phone or computer.
Jackpocket’s affiliation with the USA TODAY Network denoted a pivotal partnership, with Gannett earning commission through audience referrals to its services. Compliance with age restrictions is imperative, varying from 18+ to 21+ in certain states.
Gambling can be problematic for some, and support is readily available through various helplines across different states. For complete terms and the necessary tools to engage in lottery services responsibly, prospective participants are encouraged to visit Jackpocket’s official website.
The allure of the Mega Millions jackpot continues to captivate and inspire Americans with the imminent draw just around the corner. Until the winning numbers are revealed, the countdown continues, with the country holding its breath in anticipation of potentially creating the latest multimillionaire.
