The Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $977 million
With no winner in Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot, the jackpot for Friday’s drawing rose to an estimated $977 million.
Fox – LA
Mega Millions is getting more attention as its jackpot approaches $1 billion ahead of Friday night’s drawing.
Since there have been no winners since December 2023, the jackpot currently stands at approximately $977 million with a cash option of $461 million.
Although the odds of winning the jackpot are low, the jackpot will continue to grow until a winner is announced. However, it is far from the largest lottery jackpot in Mega Millions history, which was a $1.602 billion prize from a single winning ticket in Florida in August 2023.
Are you ready to try your luck? Here’s a guide on how to play Mega Millions.
Is there a strategy to win? Top tips for picking winning Powerball and Mega Millions numbers
How to play Mega Millions
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per game.
To play, select six numbers from two separate sets of numbers: five different numbers from 1-70 for the white numbers and one number from 1-25 for the golden Mega Ball.
You win the Mega Millions jackpot by matching your numbers with all six numbers drawn in the drawing.
If you don’t want to pick your own numbers, or if you prefer to leave it to chance, Mega Millions has a random number generator on its website where a computer will randomly generate White Ball and Mega Ball options.
Players can add a “Megaplier” for $1, which can increase winnings outside of the jackpot by two, three, four or five. The Megapiler is drawn before the Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions numbers.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in total:
- 2Xfive balls
- 3Xsix balls
- 4Xthree balls
- 5Xone ball
What is Megaplier?
Most states offer the Megaplier feature, a multiplier that increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, and five times.
It costs an extra $1 per game. Each regular Mega Millions drawing is preceded by a Megaplier drawing. Out of a group of 15 balls, five are marked “2X”, three “4X” and one “5X”.
First time playing Mega Millions? Here’s exactly how to request a ticket from the box office.
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
Your odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are pretty slim: just 1 in 302,575,350 according to the lottery.
The odds of winning the smaller $1 million prize are 1 in 12,607,306.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
Mega Millions drawings are every Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET. The next draw is Friday, March 22.
The winning numbers from the draw on Tuesday, March 19 were 24, 46, 49, 62 and 66. Mega Ball was 7 and Megaplier was 2X.
While there were no overall jackpot winners from Tuesday’s drawing, there were Match 5 $1 million winners in California, Florida, Texas and Virginia.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where to buy Mega Millions tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these US states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico , New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery game and numbers, place an order, view your ticket and claim your winnings using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital courier of the USA TODAY Network Lottery. Gannett may earn revenue from Jackpocket’s audience referral services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-COMARGAR (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.