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The Mega Millions jackpot has reached nearly one billion dollars this holiday season, with a total of 944 million (429.4 million in cash) to be drawn on Tuesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve.
The jackpot surged after no ticket matched the winning combination last Friday: the white balls 2, 20, 51, 56, and 67, plus the golden Mega Ball 19.
"If won at that level, it would be the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in the history of Mega Millions!" emphasized the lottery's website.
So far, 13 major prizes from this game have been won during December since it started in 2002, but only once on Christmas Eve. That happened in the first year, when a ticket purchased in New York won $68 million. That prize was never claimed.
In the last drawing, on Friday, December 20, the jackpot was 825 million, which ultimately went unclaimed. However, five tickets matched the five white balls, each winning one million, which is the second-level prize of the game. These tickets were sold in Indiana (2), Arkansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
This year, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won only three times, the lowest number in a single year since the game began.
The last time was on September 10, when a player in Texas won 800 million. Before that, it was on June 4 (552 million, the largest lottery jackpot ever awarded to an online player), and the first time was on March 26, with a prize of 1.128 billion in New Jersey that has yet to be claimed.
The drawing takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM ET.
Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with overall odds of winning any prize at 1 in 24.
So far, they cost two dollars, but starting in April 2025, they will cost more than double.
In August, lottery officials announced that the price of Mega Millions tickets will increase from two to five dollars, with the goal of improving the odds of winning the jackpot, increasing secondary prizes, and achieving even higher payouts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mega Millions Prize and Changes to the Game
What is the current jackpot amount for Mega Millions?
The Mega Millions jackpot has reached 944 million dollars, with a drawing scheduled for Tuesday, December 24, on Christmas Eve. This prize is one of the largest ever offered in December in the history of the game.
What are the payment options for the Mega Millions winner?
The winner of the Mega Millions can choose to receive a one-time cash payment of $429.4 million or opt for annual payments over 29 years. This option allows winners to better plan their long-term finances.
Why will the price of a Mega Millions ticket increase in 2025?
The price of a Mega Millions ticket will increase to $5 starting in April 2025, with the aim of offering larger prizes and improving the odds of winning. This increase is intended to attract more players and differentiate this game from other lotteries such as Powerball.
What are the current odds of winning the Mega Millions?
The current odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million. These odds will be adjusted following the increase in ticket prices in 2025 to enhance the chances of winning significant prizes.
How do you play Mega Millions?
To participate in Mega Millions, players must select six numbers: five from 1 to 70 and one additional number from 1 to 25 (the gold Mega Ball). Drawings take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 p.m. ET in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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