The Mega Millions jackpot keeps getting bigger and bigger after no one managed to hit all six numbers on Christmas Eve.
The Mega Millions jackpot rose to $1.15 billion ahead of Friday’s drawing. If someone wins the jackpot, they would have the option of claiming an estimated $516.1 million lump-sum payment, according to the lottery. If it’s won, it would be the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, according to the lottery.
“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a news release.
According to the lottery, 2024 has seen the least amount of jackpot winners in a calendar year with only three jackpot winners so far. The last one was in Texas on Sept. 10 when a lucky person won a $552 million jackpot.
The next drawing is set for just after 11 p.m. ET on Friday. Here’s what to know ahead of the next Mega Millions drawing.
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The winning numbers for the $1.15 billion jackpot will be drawn on Friday, Dec. 27 at 11 p.m. ET.
In order to buy a ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.
If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a ”Quick Pick” or an ”Easy Pick,” and the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.
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Players can add the ”Megaplier“ for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online throughJackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: 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 allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
This story was updated to fix an inaccuracy.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
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