In a thrilling development for lottery enthusiasts, the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing has surged to an estimated $489 million. This spike comes on the heels of Friday’s drawing, where no participants managed to clinch the top prize, leaving the jackpot to climb even higher.
The anticipation around the next drawing is palpable as the winning numbers for Friday were revealed at approximately 11 p.m. ET. Slightly disheartening for some, but undoubtedly exciting for others as the potential for a massive win increased even further. The winning numbers for Friday, May 24 were: 46, 54, 56, 67, 70, with a Mega Ball number of 16. Additionally, the Megaplier number was a thrilling 3X.
If luck had favored a player on Friday, the towering $453 million jackpot would have meant an immediate lump-sum payment of around $209.8 million after taxes. While that jackpot remained unclaimed, the expectations for Tuesday’s drawing are building significantly.
Notably, the Mega Millions lottery has already witnessed significant wins this year. In March, a New Jersey ticket holder became an overnight billionaire after winning a $1.13 billion jackpot, marking the first Mega Millions jackpot win of the year.
In a separate notable win, an astonishing story surfaced about a woman who won a $1 million scratch-off lottery prize not once, but twice, mirroring the irregular yet fascinating nature of lottery winnings.
With the stakes now even higher, players are gearing up for another chance at the grand prize. On Tuesday, Mega Millions players will need to prepare their tickets for another round of potential historical wins. The prize pool stands at a thrilling $489 million, drawing countless hopefuls into the game once again.
Even though there were no winners for the grand prize on Friday, some players still walked away happily. In California, two lucky individuals managed to match all the white ball numbers, earning themselves a commendable $1 million each. In Texas, another fortunate player took home a significant $3 million for matching the five white balls and having the added Megaplier.
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For those interested in buying a Mega Millions ticket, the options are broad. Traditionally, players can purchase tickets at local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In a move towards digital convenience, tickets are also available online in specific states.
To play, participants choose six numbers: five from a set of white balls numbered 1 through 70, and one gold Mega Ball numbered between 1 and 25. For those who prefer a random selection, the “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” options are available, allowing the computer to generate a random set of numbers.
By adding an extra dollar, players can activate the “Megaplier” for their ticket, which can significantly increase non-grand prize winnings. The multiplier effect varies, with numbers two, three, four, or even five times the original amount. The Megaplier number is drawn before the regular Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday nights.
Lottery aficionados seeking more information on past winners or wishing to delve deeper into the game’s details can visit the Mega Millions official website.
In an era of technological advancement, purchasing lottery tickets has never been easier. Jackpocket, an official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, provides a platform for players to buy tickets online across several states. Accessible via your smartphone or home computer, Jackpocket allows players to choose their lottery game and numbers, place an order, review their ticket, and even claim winnings — all digitally.
States where Jackpocket operates include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
As a friendly reminder, participants must be of legal gambling age to buy and play the lottery, and Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Those with gambling concerns can access support via dedicated helplines like 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) for residents in New York. Similar resources are available nationwide for those who need assistance.
As Tuesday’s drawing approaches, the excitement continues to build. With the jackpot now sitting at an impressive $489 million, Mega Millions is poised for another potentially life-changing moment for one or more fortunate participants. Will someone strike gold, or will the jackpot continue to grow? Make sure your tickets are ready for what promises to be an electrifying event.
