The Mega Millions jackpot has swelled to an impressive $825 million ahead of the upcoming drawing on Friday, December 20. Despite Tuesday’s drawing not yielding a jackpot winner, where none of the tickets matched all six numbers—56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 18—there were still some fortunate players who struck it rich. Four tickets, including two sold in California, claimed $1 million each for matching five numbers, while one ticket in North Carolina matched all five numbers and the megaplier, securing a remarkable prize of $4 million.
In addition to these big wins, others enjoyed smaller prizes, with 38 tickets winning $10,000 and some collecting as much as $40,000 by matching four balls plus the Mega Ball. The Illinois lottery website highlighted three $10,000 winning tickets sold in the state.
Lottery officials stated that if the jackpot is won at the current amount, it will not only be the largest prize ever awarded in December but also the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history. Since the game’s inception in 2002, 13 December jackpots have been claimed, with none won on Christmas Day, despite the drawing occurring on that day six times previously.
Notably, this year has seen only three Mega Millions jackpots won, marking it as the year with the fewest winnings since the game’s beginning—a sign that the competition for the jackpot is growing.
As anticipation builds for the next drawing, which takes place at 10 p.m. CT on Friday, hopeful players can purchase tickets for $2 each. However, it’s worth noting that ticket prices will increase significantly in 2025.
This Mega Millions season holds promise, and the excitement surrounding the enormous jackpot could inspire dreams of possibilities and new beginnings. With the holiday spirit in the air, the hopes of many are riding on this drawing, inviting players to envision what they might do with such life-changing winnings.