The Mega Millions® jackpot is heating up this summer, with an estimated $427 million ($220.6 million cash) up for grabs in the next drawing on Friday, July 7. This massive jackpot comes after no ticket matched all six numbers in the July 4 drawing, which included the white balls 21, 33, 54, 61, and 67, along with the gold Mega Ball 12. The current jackpot has steadily grown since its last win in New York on April 18. Interestingly, this marks the second consecutive July that the Mega Millions jackpot has reached such a substantial amount.
While no one claimed the jackpot on Tuesday night, many were still winners. The July 4 drawing saw a total of 815,245 winning tickets at various prize levels. Two lucky tickets matched the five white balls, earning the game's second-tier prize. One of these tickets, sold in Idaho, included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an additional $1 purchase) and is now worth a staggering $3 million after the 3X Megaplier was drawn. The other second-tier prize-winning ticket, sold in Missouri, will receive the standard $1 million prize.
Additionally, 27 tickets across the country matched four white balls and the Mega Ball, securing the third-tier prize. Among these, six tickets, which also had the Megaplier, are worth $30,000 each. The remaining 21 third-tier winning tickets are valued at $10,000 each.
Since the last jackpot wins on April 18, there have been over 11.5 million winning tickets distributed across all prize levels, ranging from $2 to an incredible $3 million. Notably, 15 second-tier prizes of $1 million or more have been won in 12 different jurisdictions nationwide. These lucky wins span California to Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
The year began with an impressive string of six jackpot winners in less than four months, a remarkable feat more commonly seen over an entire year. The first jackpot win of the year was monumental, as a lucky individual in Maine claimed a staggering $1.348 billion on January 13, marking the second-largest prize in Mega Millions history. This was followed by three quick wins, including a $20 million prize in New York on January 17, a $33 million jackpot in Massachusetts on January 24, and another Massachusetts win just two drawings later, this time for $31 million. Then, history was made when two more jackpots were won in New York in consecutive drawings, with prizes of $483 million on April 14 and $20 million on April 18. This marked the first time in Mega Millions history that a single state claimed two consecutive jackpot wins.
It is worth noting that Mega Millions is the only lottery game to award four jackpots exceeding $1 billion. These jaw-dropping prizes were won in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2, and in most jurisdictions, players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to multiply their non-jackpot winnings. Drawings occur at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia.
Furthermore, it is important to note that half of the proceeds from selling each Mega Millions ticket remain in the state where it was sold. This revenue is utilized to support various designated good causes and retailer commissions.
The Mega Millions jackpot has captured the attention of lottery enthusiasts nationwide as it climbs to an impressive $427 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday, July 7. With such a substantial prize at stake, players eagerly anticipate the results and hope to become the next Mega Millions millionaire.
The current jackpot buildup began after the April 18 win in New York, and since then, the excitement has been steadily growing. The Mega Millions jackpot has reached the same lofty heights for the second consecutive July, adding to the popular lottery game's anticipation and thrill.
While no one matched all six numbers in the July 4 drawing, plenty of winners still claimed their share of the prize pool. A remarkable 815,245 tickets emerged victorious at various prizes, showcasing the widespread popularity and participation in the Mega Millions game. Two lucky players came incredibly close to hitting the jackpot as their tickets matched the five white balls drawn. One ticket sold in Idaho took advantage of the optional Megaplier and will receive an astounding $3 million after the 3X Megaplier was applied. The other second-tier winning ticket, sold in Missouri, will collect the standard $1 million prize.
Additionally, the third-tier prize saw 27 winners nationwide who matched four white balls and the Mega Ball. Six of these winners opted for the Megaplier, which tripled their prize to a generous $30,000 each. The remaining 21 third-tier winners will be awarded $10,000 each for their lucky picks.
The appeal of the Mega Millions game is evident when considering the vast number of winning tickets since the last jackpot won in April. Over 11.5 million tickets across various prize levels have been claimed, ranging from smaller amounts like $2 all the way up to an impressive $3 million. These winnings have been distributed across 12 different states, emphasizing the game's widespread popularity and the joy it has brought to lucky players.
The year 2023 has been particularly memorable for Mega Millions, with several significant wins that have set records and captivated lottery enthusiasts. The year kicked off with an incredible jackpot of 1.348 billion won in Maine on January 13, marking the second-largest prize ever awarded in Mega Millions history. This monumental win set the stage for an exciting series of subsequent victories. Just four days later, on January 17, a lucky ticket sold in New York secured a $20 million prize. The winning streak continued as Massachusetts celebrated back-to-back wins, with a $33 million jackpot on January 24 and another win of $31 million just two drawings later. The history-making moments didn't stop there, as New York claimed two consecutive jackpot wins with prizes of $483 million on April 14 and $20 million on April 18. This remarkable feat marked the first time in Mega Millions history that a single state had won two consecutive jackpots.
The Mega Millions game has achieved a unique distinction by awarding four jackpots exceeding $1 billion. These colossal prizes, won in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, have solidified Mega Millions' position as one of the most lucrative and thrilling lottery games in the United States. The game's popularity extends across 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it accessible to many players. Individuals can participate in the draw for just $2 per ticket and stand a chance to win life-changing sums of money. Furthermore, players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1, which multiplies their non-jackpot winnings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.
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