For the sixth time since its inception, the Mega Millions jackpot has crossed the billion-dollar threshold, reaching an estimated $1.1 billion for the drawing scheduled on Tuesday, March 26. This surge in the jackpot amount follows a series of 30 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, marking it as the fifth largest in the game's history should it be claimed in the next draw.
The latest drawing, which did not produce a jackpot victor, featured the numbers 3, 8, 31, 35, 44, and the gold Mega Ball 16. As the prize pool grows, so does the anticipation and excitement among players nationwide. Gretchen Corbin, the Georgia Lottery President and CEO and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, commented on the phenomenon, "Lottery fever continues to spread throughout the country." Corbin highlighted the dual benefits of the lottery, noting not only the entertainment and potential winnings for players but also the significant contributions to beneficiary programs funded by lottery proceeds.
The March 22 drawing saw over 2.5 million winning tickets at various prize levels. Notably, six tickets matched five white balls, securing the second-tier prize. One ticket, purchased in Virginia and including the optional Megaplier, is valued at $3 million, while five other tickets, sold in various states, won the standard second-tier prize.
Since the last jackpot win on December 8, there have been more than 26.2 million winning tickets, including 43 second-tier prizes of $1 million or more. These winnings span 20 different jurisdictions, underscoring the widespread appeal and impact of Mega Millions across the United States.
Mega Millions holds the distinction of being the only lottery game to have offered jackpots exceeding $1 billion on six occasions, with previous billion-dollar prizes awarded to winners in different states including South Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Maine, and Florida, with the latter holding the record at $1.602 billion.
Tickets for Mega Millions are available for $2 across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with the option to add the Megaplier for an additional dollar. Proceeds from ticket sales support various state-designated causes and retailer commissions. The drawings take place twice a week in Atlanta, Georgia, maintaining the dream of a life-changing win for millions of players.
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