The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an impressive $825 million this holiday season. The latest drawing on Tuesday saw no tickets match the winning numbers—56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 18—for the jackpot. However, there were some winners who matched five numbers, earning $1 million each. Notably, two of these winning tickets were sold in California, while Louisiana and Oklahoma each sold one.
In North Carolina, one lucky player matched all five numbers along with the megaplier, resulting in a remarkable total of $4 million. Additionally, some tickets scored $40,000 by matching four balls and the Mega Ball, while 38 tickets won $10,000, with several coming from Illinois.
Officials from Mega Millions have announced that the next drawing, scheduled for Friday, December 20, will feature an estimated prize of $825 million. Players who choose the cash option will receive about $382.2 million. If won, this jackpot would mark the largest December prize ever and the seventh-largest in the history of Mega Millions.
Since the game’s inception in 2002, there have been 13 jackpots won in December, mostly prior to Christmas. Interestingly, there has never been a winning jackpot on Christmas Day, even though drawings have taken place on that date six times in history, including in 2007, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2020.
This year has seen only three Mega Millions jackpots claimed, making it the year with the fewest wins since the game’s launch. Mega Millions drawings are held at 10 p.m. CT on Fridays, with tickets priced at $2 each; however, the ticket price is set to more than double by 2025.
This news brings a sense of excitement and anticipation as players consider their chances at winning a life-changing amount just in time for the holidays. Whether players are aiming to make their dreams come true or simply enjoy the thrill of the game, the increased jackpot has certainly captured attention across the nation.