With the Mega Millions jackpot approaching the staggering amount of $1 billion, the buzz is palpable ahead of Friday night’s drawing. The grand prize, which has been untouched since December 2023, has reached an estimated $977 million, providing a cash option of $461 million to potential winners. Though the chances of clinching the jackpot remain slim, the prize pot will continue to swell until a lucky participant matches the winning numbers. This near-billion jackpot is still shy of the Mega Millions all-time record—a $1.602 billion windfall won by a ticket in Florida in August 2023.
For those feeling fortunate, here’s a brief how-to on joining the Mega Millions excitement.
Taking a chance on Mega Millions doesn’t require a complex strategy, though many hopefuls seek tips for selecting potentially winning numbers. Each play is $2, and participants select six numbers from two distinct pools: five different numbers from a set of 1-70 (white numbers) and one number from 1-25 (the gold Mega Ball). Winning the jackpot means your chosen numbers must perfectly align with the six numbers announced at the draw.
For individuals who prefer to leave their fate to randomness, the Mega Millions website offers a solution—a random number generator that spares you the choice and produces a selection for the white balls and the Mega Ball.
In pursuit of amplifying their winnings, players can leverage the “Megaplier” feature. By spending an extra $1, this option dynamically boosts non-jackpot prizes by two to five times. A total of 15 Megaplier balls dictate the outcome: “2X” is etched on five balls, “3X” on four, “4X” on three, and a solitary ball reserves the “5X” amplification.
If this is your initial foray into Mega Millions, acquiring a ticket is simple—just request one from the cashier at numerous locations.
The prospect of claiming the Mega Millions jackpot—1 in 302,575,350—should temper expectations, yet hope springs eternal among lotto enthusiasts. While the jackpot odds might be astronomical, the chances of winning a $1 million prize are relatively better, at 1 in 12,607,306. Draws occur biweekly, on Tuesday and Friday nights at 11 p.m. ET.
The most recent drawing on Tuesday, March 19, might not have produced a jackpot victor, but it did yield several $1 million winners across California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia. These results are routinely backed by Jackpocket, the digital lottery courier partnering with the USA TODAY Network.
Physical tickets are available at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. Alternatively, for those who embrace the digital age, Jackpocket provides online ticket purchases within several U.S. states and territories. The platform permits users to choose lottery games and numbers, order tickets, and receive winnings, all from the comfort of their smartphone or computer.
As the official digital lottery courier, Jackpocket underscores responsible gaming, reminding users that assistance is available for anyone with a gambling problem. With age restrictions in place (18+ for most states, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska), and no affiliation to any state lottery, Jackpocket aligns with legal requirements and promotes their services via jackpocket.com/tos.
As the Mega Millions juggernaut rolls on toward its next draw on Friday, March 22, the nation awaits with bated breath, wondering if a new millionaire—or even billionaire—will emerge. Will the stars align for an individual or a syndicate, or will the jackpot continue its climb into record-breaking territory? Only time, and luck, will tell.
