Saturday, August 5, 2023 – The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has reached an unprecedented $1.55 billion, shattering previous records, following Friday night’s drawing that once again ended without a lucky winner.
The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were 45, 30, 52, 56, 11, with the Mega Ball being 20. With no jackpot winner for 31 consecutive drawings since April 18, the anticipation and excitement around this colossal prize have reached a fever pitch.
The odds of hitting the jackpot are incredibly slim, standing at a staggering 1-in-302.6 million. Participants must correctly match five white balls along with a separate Mega Ball to secure the top prize. However, while the jackpot may be difficult to claim, Mega Millions offers better odds of winning smaller prizes starting at $2.
For the fortunate individual who manages to clinch the mind-boggling $1.55 billion prize, they have two payout options. The first is a series of annual payments over 30 years through an annuity, while the second option is a lump sum payment, estimated to be a jaw-dropping $757.2 million.
However, it’s crucial to remember that significant portions of the winnings will be allocated to federal taxes, and many states also impose taxes on lottery payouts. The magnitude of this record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot has ignited nationwide excitement as players across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands eagerly anticipate the next drawing. With the stakes at an all-time high, countless individuals are holding their breath, hoping to be the lucky one to walk away with this historic windfall.
