The excitement in the world of lottery enthusiasts is reaching fever pitch as the Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming Tuesday draw has ballooned to an eye-popping estimated $489 million. This significant rise follows the lack of a jackpot winner in the previous Friday draw.
The numbers drawn around 11 p.m. ET on Friday were 46, 54, 56, 67, and 70, with the Mega Ball being 16. Despite the hefty jackpot of $453 million at stake, no ticket matched all six numbers required to claim the grand prize. Had there been a winner, they could have chosen a lump-sum payout of approximately $209.8 million after taxes.
In a twist of fate, earlier this year in March, a player from New Jersey hit the first Mega Millions jackpot of 2023, winning an astounding $1.13 billion. The tension is palpable as players nationwide wonder if someone will replicate this monumental win.
Meanwhile, two lucky individuals in California didn’t go home empty-handed on Friday. Each won $1 million by successfully matching all five white ball numbers in the Match 5 category. On an even more fortunate note, a player in Texas walked away with $3 million by matching the five white balls and having purchased the Megaplier option.
For those eager to try their luck in the next draw, purchasing a ticket is straightforward. You can buy tickets at your local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store. Additionally, in a select few states, tickets can also be purchased online. Participating states have made it easier than ever to join in the fun without leaving the comfort of your home.
To participate, you must select six numbers. The first five numbers are the white balls, each ranging between 1 and 70. The sixth number, the gold Mega Ball, ranges between 1 and 25. There are a variety of options available to ensure the best possible outcome; players can either choose their numbers manually or opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” where the computer randomly generates the numbers for them.
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An additional option to enhance potential winnings is the “Megaplier,” which costs an extra $1 per ticket. This special feature can multiply non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or even five times. The Megaplier number is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on both Tuesday and Friday, adding another layer of excitement to the game.
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in multiple ways. They are readily available at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery chains. Some airport terminals might also have lottery ticket kiosks for those planning to fly. For an even more streamlined experience, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This service is available in various states and territories, including 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. The Jackpocket app simplifies the process, allowing users to choose their lottery game and numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and even collect their winnings using just their phone or computer.
It’s essential to note that Jackpocket acts as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue through audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Requirements to use this service vary by state, with age limits set at 18+, 21+ in Arizona, and 19+ in Nebraska. It’s crucial to remember that Jackpocket is not affiliated with any state lottery. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling issues, help is available. Contact resources include 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) for New York, 1-800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, 1-800-981-0023 for Puerto Rico, and 1-800-GAMBLER for all other regions. For more extensive terms, visit jackpocket.com/tos.
As the anticipation builds for the Tuesday draw, Mega Millions players across the country are eagerly awaiting a potentially life-changing event. The staggering $489 million jackpot has everyone wondering if they could be the next lucky winner to join the exclusive ranks of Mega Millions multi-millionaires. Until then, hopeful participants will continue to pick their magic numbers and dream of the possibility that comes with a winning ticket.
