The Mega Millions jackpot has skyrocketed to $527 million ($261.9 million cash option) for this Friday's drawing. If claimed, it would be the thirteenth largest prize in the history of the game.
The lucky winner can choose between annual payments over 29 years or a one-time lump sum of $261.9 million. To win, one must match all five white balls and the golden Mega Ball.
The jackpot increased after no one won in the previous drawing on Tuesday, which featured the white balls 5, 20, 26, 49, and 51, plus the golden Mega Ball 24.
Recent Draw Results and Winners
According to Mega Millions' official website, although no one hit the jackpot on Tuesday, August 20, there were 945,350 winning tickets at other prize levels. Two tickets matched the five white balls, earning the game's second-tier prize. One ticket, sold in Delaware, is worth $4 million because it included the optional Megaplier (an additional $1 purchase), which quadrupled the prize. The other ticket sold in Arizona won the standard $1 million prize.
The next drawing will take place on Tuesday, August 27. So far this year, only two Mega Millions jackpots have been claimed: one on March 26 in New Jersey and another on June 4 in Illinois.
Mega Millions is the only lottery game that has produced six jackpots over $1 billion, all in different states. The largest jackpot, $1.602 billion, was won in Florida on August 8, 2023.
Drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2, and the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.
Mega Millions Jackpot FAQs
If you're curious about the recent surge in the Mega Millions jackpot and other related details, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
How much is the current Mega Millions jackpot?
The current Mega Millions jackpot is $527 million, with a cash option of $261.9 million.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing will take place on Tuesday, August 27.
How often are Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.