The Mega Millions jackpot has again rolled over, reaching an impressive $862 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday, December 20, 2024. With this latest increase, the jackpot now ranks as the seventh largest in the game’s history after no one successfully matched all six numbers from Tuesday night’s drawing.
The winning numbers for the December 20 drawing were 2, 20, 51, 56, 67, with the Mega Ball being 19. The Megaplier for this drawing was set at 2X. Unfortunately for participants, there were no jackpot winners from this drawing, but several players had reason to celebrate: four tickets sold in Indiana, Arkansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania matched all five numbers excluding the Mega Ball, earning each ticket holder a prize of $1 million.
For those interested in participating in future drawings, it’s important to know that matching just one number, specifically the Mega Ball, will yield a $2 prize. Additionally, a ticket that matches one of the five main numbers combined with the Mega Ball will earn a payout of $4.
Excitingly, the next Mega Millions drawing on December 24, 2024, is projected to have an even larger jackpot estimated at $944 million, with a cash option of approximately $429.4 million. Drawings occur bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays at around 10 p.m. CT, with the ability to view the results online.
The price for a Mega Millions ticket is $2, with an added option for $1 to include the Megaplier, enhancing the potential winnings.
In the bigger picture, the escalating jackpots can foster hope and excitement in communities as players dream about life-changing wins. The spirit of the lottery encourages individuals to dream big, and even if they don’t win, participating in these draws brings excitement and anticipation. The next drawing promises to be another thrilling event for players hoping to take home a significant prize.