No winning entries were drawn in Saturday’s Mega-Sena lottery, leaving a jackpot of 72 million reais (approximately $14.4 million USD) for the next drawing on Thursday, February 19th, according to a statement released by the Caixa Econômica Federal.
The numbers drawn in the 2,973rd contest were 16, 24, 27, 31, 45 and 46. Sixty-three players matched five of the six numbers, each receiving a prize of 43,862.01 reais. An additional 4,259 players matched four numbers and will each receive 1,069.47 reais.
Participants can place bets of six to fifteen numbers at lottery retailers until 8:00 PM on the day of the drawing, or online through the Caixa website or application. Players can too opt for “Surpresinha,” allowing the system to randomly select numbers, or “Teimosinha,” which allows the same bet to be entered into multiple consecutive drawings – up to eight.
A single six-number bet costs 6 reais. The cost increases with the number of selections made. The “Bolão Caixa” option allows for group betting.
The Mega-Sena is Brazil’s most popular lottery, and the substantial jackpot is expected to drive increased participation in the next drawing. Further details on the lottery and upcoming draws are available through the Caixa Econômica Federal.