Powerball and Mega Millions Jackpots Soar, Could Reach $800 Million: What You Need to Know

Powerball, Mega Millions Jackpots: What to Know in Case You Win

A Record-Breaking Jackpot Awaits

With the Mega Millions jackpot still unclaimed since December, eager participants are eyeing the next drawing in the hope of winning the astonishing prize. Projected to reach an incredible $800 million, the jackpot offers an estimated cash option of $381.8 million. This remarkable feat places it comfortably amongst the top six largest Mega Millions prizes in the history of the game.

A Streak of Unclaimed Prizes

The previous Mega Millions jackpot, worth $394 million, was won in California in December 2023. However, it was in August 2023 when history was made with the largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot prize of $1.602 billion. This gargantuan amount was claimed by a single ticket holder from Neptune Beach, Florida.

The Next Drawing

For those eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to win big, mark your calendars for the upcoming Mega Millions drawing, scheduled for Friday, March 15. The official drawing takes place at 11 p.m. ET.

The Most Recent Winning Numbers

The winning numbers from the last Mega Millions drawing, held on Tuesday, March 12, were 2, 16, 31, 57, 64, and the Mega Ball was 24. The Megaplier for that drawing was 3X. Although the jackpot remained unclaimed, two lucky participants, one from Massachusetts and another from North Carolina, matched the numbers and each secured a $1 million prize.

Playing with the Megaplier

Most states offer players the option to play with the Megaplier feature. By adding an extra $1 to their ticket, participants can multiply their non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, or five times.

Rules and Regulations

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased for $2 per play, and players must select five numbers from 1 to 70, along with a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Alternatively, players can opt for the Easy Pick or Quick Pick, allowing the terminal to randomly select numbers on their behalf. Winning the jackpot requires matching all six numbers drawn in the respective drawing.

Exploring the Largest Mega Millions Jackpots

Here are the six largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won in the history of the lottery:

1. $1.602 billion (August 2023, Florida)
2. $1.537 billion (October 2018, South Carolina)
3. $1.35 billion (January 2023, Maine)
4. $1.34 billion (July 2022, Illinois)
5. $1.050 billion (January 2021, Michigan)
6. Current jackpot: $792 million

Where to Purchase Tickets

Mega Millions tickets can be bought in-person at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Online ticket orders are also available in select states and territories through the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket. Participating states include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Take advantage of the Jackpocket app, enabling effortless ticket purchase, number selection, ticket preview, and winners’ collection, all from the convenience of your mobile phone or computer.

Proceed with Caution

If you decide to add the Megaplier for an additional $1, you will have the chance to amplify your non-jackpot winnings. The Megaplier, drawn ahead of the Mega Millions numbers every Tuesday and Friday, consists of 15 balls, with five being marked as 2X, six as 3X, three as 4X, and one as 5X.

Remember to play responsibly, and best of luck in your endeavor for the Mega Millions jackpot!