The Mega Millions jackpot continues to climb, reaching an astounding $650 million after no winning tickets were matched in the latest drawing. The winning numbers for Friday night’s $607 million drawing were 61, 33, 15, 37, and 55, with a Mega ball of 24. The Megaplier was 4X. With no lucky winners, the anticipation builds for the next drawing on Tuesday, where players will vie for the chance to win this massive jackpot.
The allure of the Mega Millions jackpot lies not only in its staggering amount but also in the cash option it offers. The estimated $650 million prize comes with a cash option of $308.6 million. While winners have the choice between receiving the prize as an annuity paid out over 29 annual payments or as a lump sum, most opt for the immediate cash prize.
The odds of winning the grand prize are incredibly slim, standing at 1 in 302,575,350. However, this hasn’t deterred hopeful players from trying their luck. The last time the Mega Millions jackpot was won was on December 8th, when two lucky winners from California matched all six numbers and took home a staggering $395 million prize.
It’s worth noting that the largest lottery ever won on a single ticket was a record-breaking $1.602 billion jackpot in Florida on August 8, 2023. This monumental prize solidified its place in history as the world’s largest lottery win. Interestingly, there have been instances where winners fail to claim their prizes, as was the case with a $36 million Mega Millions jackpot in Florida.
As the current jackpot climbs to $650 million, it now ranks as the seventh-largest prize ever offered by the Mega Millions game. Players from 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, participate in this thrilling lottery game. The deadline for purchasing a ticket is 9:45 p.m. on draw nights, so players have until then to try their luck and secure their chance at this life-changing jackpot.
With the Mega Millions jackpot reaching such incredible heights, it’s no wonder that excitement and anticipation are building. As Tuesday’s drawing approaches, players across the nation eagerly await the announcement of the winning numbers. Will someone finally claim the massive $650 million prize, or will it continue to grow even larger? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Mega Millions jackpot has captured the attention and dreams of millions.