The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to over $1 billion, marking the sixth time in the game’s history that it has exceeded this staggering amount. After months of steady growth, the jackpot now stands at an estimated $1.1 billion, with a cash value of $528.8 million following the absence of winners in Friday’s drawing.
Since December 2023, no one has clinched the Mega Millions jackpot. The largest prize ever won in the Mega Millions lottery was $1.602 billion in August 2023, claimed by a single ticket holder from Neptune Beach, Florida.
The upcoming Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday. Drawings for Mega Millions take place in Atlanta every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
Additionally, the next Powerball drawing is set for Monday night, featuring a jackpot of $800 million.
The winning numbers from the Friday, March 22, drawing were 3, 8, 31, 35, and 44, with the Mega Ball being 16 and the Megaplier at 3X. While the jackpot remained unclaimed, there were winners in the Match 5 + Megaplier category in Virginia, as well as winners in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, and Texas.
For those unfamiliar with the Megaplier feature, it is offered by most states and can increase non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or five times for an additional $1 per play.
Players can purchase Mega Millions tickets for $2 each and have nine ways to win a prize, ranging from the jackpot to $2. To play, individuals must select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. An alternative is to opt for Easy Pick or Quick Pick, allowing the terminal to randomly generate numbers.
Moreover, players have the option to add the ‘Megaplier’ for $1, which can multiply non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or five. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to climb, it is worth noting the five largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won:
- $1.602 billion in August 2023
- Previous jackpot amounts
- Current jackpot amount
