The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an impressive $279 million for the upcoming Tuesday drawing after no one claimed the jackpot on Friday. The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were revealed just after 11 p.m. ET, and the results are now available.
Had a lucky player won the jackpot on Friday, they could have walked away with an estimated cash value of $118.0 million in a lump-sum payment, according to the lottery officials.
Recent Mega Millions Winners and Record Jackpots
So far this year, two individuals have struck it rich with the Mega Millions jackpot. Back in March, a player from New Jersey won a colossal $1.13 billion, marking one of the largest lottery prizes in history. Then, just last month, another fortunate player in Illinois snagged $552 million. These incredible wins serve as a testament to the life-changing potential of Mega Millions.
Details of Friday’s Mega Millions Drawing
For the drawing on Friday, July 19, the winning numbers were 10, 17, 23, 50, and 67, with a Mega Ball of 3. The Megaplier for this particular drawing was 3X, which means non-jackpot prizes could be tripled.
While there were no jackpot winners in this drawing, three lucky participants from California, Maryland, and Virginia each won $1 million by matching all five white ball numbers. These substantial prizes, though not as grand as the jackpot, still represent significant windfalls for the winners.
Looking Ahead to Tuesday’s Drawing
With no grand prize winners on Friday, the jackpot for the upcoming Tuesday drawing has climbed to an estimated $279 million. This substantial sum continues to grow, attracting more participants eager for a chance at a multimillion-dollar payday.
How to Play Mega Millions
Participating in Mega Millions is straightforward and widely accessible. Players can purchase tickets at local convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores. In some states, tickets are also available for purchase online, providing additional convenience.
To play, participants must select six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. For those who feel less confident about choosing their own numbers, the “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick” option is available. With this feature, the computer randomly generates the numbers, taking the guesswork out of the process.
For an additional $1 per play, participants can opt to add the “Megaplier” feature, which can multiply non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four, or even five times. The Megaplier number is drawn before the main Mega Millions numbers on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Megaplier pool includes 15 balls: five with a 2X multiplier, six with a 3X, three with a 4X, and one with a 5X, offering various levels of potential prize enhancement.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are widely available for purchase. Players can buy them in person at numerous retail locations, such as gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. This widespread availability ensures that virtually anyone can participate in the lottery.
Additionally, tickets can be ordered online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This service is available in several U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app streamlines the process, allowing users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and collect their winnings all from their smartphone or computer.
Responsible Gambling
While the excitement of playing the lottery can be enticing, it is crucial to engage in responsible gambling practices. Both Jackpocket and the USA TODAY Network provide resources and support for individuals who may have gambling problems. Helplines and assistance services are available to ensure that gambling remains a fun and safe activity.
For more detailed information, including a list of past winners and additional game details, visit the official Mega Millions website. This resource provides comprehensive coverage of all things Mega Millions, from drawing results to insights on how to play and win.