Discover Why the Mega Millions Jackpot Ranks in the Top 10 Highest Ever
The Mega Millions lottery continues to capture the nation’s attention with a jackpot that has grown to a staggering $650 million. This immense prize ranks as the tenth largest in the history of the game since its inception in 2002. The cash option for the jackpot winner amounts to $304.1 million.
Current Jackpot Details
The upcoming drawing, set for Tuesday, marks the 33rd since the jackpot run began. The current accumulation follows the last significant win, which occurred on June 27 in Virginia.
Recent Drawing Results
On the last drawing held Friday, no ticket matched all six winning numbers. The drawn numbers were 9, 21, 27, 48, 56, and the gold Mega Ball 10. This continues the trend of a rolling jackpot, as the prize grows larger in the absence of a winner.
Noteworthy Facts About Mega Millions
- Jackpot Ranking: The current jackpot is the tenth largest ever.
- Last Major Win: Significant wins occurred in Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona earlier this year.
- Winning Odds: The odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 23.
- Jackpot Odds: The odds of winning the jackpot specifically are 1 in 290,472,336.
- Ticket Price: Tickets are available for $5 each.
Participation and Rules
Mega Millions tickets are sold across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players must purchase their tickets at least one to two hours before the drawing, which occurs at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia.
Impact of Game Changes
Notably, a game adjustment made last April has resulted in significantly higher payouts for non-jackpot prizes, totaling hundreds of millions more than under the previous system. Recently, during the last drawing, there were 416,751 winning tickets for non-jackpot prizes, accumulating over $8.5 million in winnings.
The Mega Millions game continues to be a source of excitement for players, with its impressive prize pools and engaging gameplay. As the jackpot climbs, anticipation builds for the next drawing as millions hope to claim a historic win.
