On Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions lottery saw no tickets match the winning numbers for its $1 billion jackpot, which consisted of the numbers 11, 14, 38, 45, 46, and a Mega Ball of 3. As a result, the jackpot will increase significantly to an estimated $1.15 billion for the next drawing, scheduled for Friday night. From a cash perspective, the prize stands at approximately $516.1 million before taxes.
The recent jackpot rose from $970 million to $1 billion as ticket sales surged leading up to the drawing, which would have represented the seventh-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. The largest jackpot to date, a staggering $1.602 billion, was won in Florida back in August.
Since the last jackpot was claimed on September 10 at $810 million, the Mega Millions has been continuously rolling over. Historically, only one Mega Millions jackpot has ever been won on Christmas Eve— a $68 million prize in New York in 2002 that was left unclaimed.
Unfortunately, 2023 has proven to be a slow year for Mega Millions, with only three jackpots awarded—the fewest in the game’s history. Players should be aware that the odds of winning the jackpot currently stand at a daunting 1 in 302,575,350.
For interested players, tickets are available at $2 each across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, those looking to avoid scams are urged to be cautious. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scam attempts often masquerade as lottery victories and claim winners must pay to access their supposed prizes. Mega Millions reassures players that no representatives will reach out to inform them of any winnings.
Looking ahead, the Mega Millions game will undergo a ticket price increase next April, with each play costing $5 instead of the current $2. This change aims to enhance jackpot sizes and improve winning odds. Mega Millions organizers express optimism about the future of the game, anticipating more billion-dollar jackpots and the creation of many millionaires, all while continuing to support worthy causes.
In summary, though no one won the Christmas Eve Mega Millions jackpot, anticipation is high for the upcoming drawing, which could set the stage for record-breaking winnings. Players are encouraged to play responsibly while being vigilant against scams, and looking ahead, the game may soon become even more exciting for new and existing players alike.