Washington Player Loses $50M, Wins Comfort Prize
Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $60 Million; Cash Option Available
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The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $60 million, offering a cash option of $26.9 million for the lucky winner.
Recent Winner and Odds
An Ohio player claimed a $112 million Mega Millions prize on April 18. Matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball is required to win the grand prize. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 290 million.
Participating States and Draw Schedule
Mega Millions is played in 45 U.S.states, as well as Washington D.C., and the U.S.Virgin Islands. drawings occur every tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets cost $5, and sales deadlines vary by state.
How to Play Mega Millions
Players select five numbers between 1 and 70, and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. While matching all numbers wins the jackpot, smaller prizes are awarded for matching a portion of the numbers.
Jackpot and Payment Options
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $20 million and grows until won. winners can choose a lump-sum payment, which is significantly discounted, or annuity payments over 30 years.
Notable Mega Millions Jackpots
Mega Millions has awarded several billion-dollar jackpots since its inception in 1996. Some of the largest include:
- $1.602 billion – August 8, 2023, in Florida.
- $1.537 billion – October 23, 2018, in South Carolina.
- $1.348 billion – January 13, 2023, in Maine.
- $1.337 billion – July 29,2022,in illinois.
- $1.269 billion – December 27, 2024, in California.
- $1.128 billion - March 26, 2024, in New Jersey.
- $1.050 billion – January 22, 2021, in Michigan.
- $810 million – September 10, 2024, in Texas.
Prizes for Matching Numbers
Even matching a single number can result in a prize, though the jackpot requires matching all five numbers plus the Mega Ball.
Odds of Winning
The overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions are approximately 1 in 290.5 million.
Mega Millions: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the current Mega Millions jackpot?
A: the Mega Millions jackpot has reached an estimated $60 million. A winner has the option to take a lump-sum cash payment of $26.9 million.
Q: What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
A: The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290 million.
Q: How do I play Mega Millions?
A: To play Mega Millions, you select five numbers between 1 and 70, and then choose a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Q: What happens if I match some but not all of the numbers?
A: Prizes are awarded for matching a portion of the numbers, though the jackpot requires matching all five numbers plus the Mega Ball.
Q: Where can I play mega Millions?
A: Mega Millions is available in 45 U.S. states, as well as Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Q: When are Mega Millions drawings held?
A: Drawings occur every tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. eastern Time.
Q: How much does a Mega millions ticket cost?
A: Each ticket costs $5. Ticket sales deadlines vary by state.
Q: What payment options are available to Mega Millions jackpot winners?
A: Winners can choose a lump-sum payment, which is a substantially discounted amount, or annuity payments spread over 30 years.
Q: What are some of the biggest Mega Millions jackpots in history?
A: Some of the largest Mega Millions jackpots include:
$1.602 billion – August 8, 2023, in Florida.
$1.537 billion - October 23, 2018, in South Carolina.
$1.348 billion – January 13, 2023, in Maine.
$1.337 billion - July 29, 2022, in Illinois.
$1.269 billion – December 27, 2024, in california.
$1.128 billion - March 26, 2024, in New Jersey.
$1.050 billion - January 22, 2021, in Michigan.
$810 million – September 10, 2024, in Texas.