The Mega Millions jackpot for this holiday season has reached an impressive $825 million, providing a thrilling opportunity for lottery enthusiasts. According to the Mega Millions website, no tickets were able to match all six numbers drawn on Tuesday—56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 18—resulting in the jackpot rolling over. However, several players enjoyed a stroke of luck by matching five numbers and winning $1 million each, with two winning tickets sold in California, as well as one each in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
One standout winner from North Carolina managed to match all five numbers and the megaplier, bringing home a substantial $4 million. Additionally, tickets that matched four numbers plus the Mega Ball garnered prizes of up to $40,000, while 38 tickets won $10,000 in Tuesday’s drawing, with three of those sold in Illinois.
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, December 20, with an estimated jackpot of $825 million. Those opting for a cash payout could take home approximately $382.2 million. If someone wins the jackpot at this level, it would mark the largest prize ever awarded in December and the seventh-largest in the history of Mega Millions.
Historically, there have been 13 Mega Millions jackpots won in December since the game’s inception in 2002, primarily before the Christmas holiday. Interestingly, there has never been a jackpot winner on Christmas Day, even though drawings have occurred on that date six times in the past.
This year has been particularly unique for Mega Millions, as only three jackpots have been won, making it the lowest number of annual jackpot wins since the game started.
The excitement continues as the Mega Millions drawing will be held at 10 p.m. CT on Friday. Tickets are currently priced at $2 each, although a price increase is on the horizon for 2025.
This holiday season presents a fun opportunity for players to dream big, and the excitement of potentially winning a life-changing jackpot certainly adds to the festive spirit.
Summary: The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $825 million for the upcoming drawing, after no winners matched all six numbers in the last drawing. Several players won significant amounts by matching five numbers, and historically, December has seen 13 jackpots since the game’s beginning. The anticipation builds as players look forward to the next drawing on December 20.