Despite no one emerging as the winner of the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot on Christmas Eve, excitement continues to build as the prize increases to $1.15 billion for the next drawing. The most recent drawing, held Tuesday night, yielded winning numbers of 11, 14, 38, 45, 46, with a Mega Ball of 3 and a 3X Megaplier.
While the jackpot remains unclaimed, four lucky players from California, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming matched five out of the six numbers. Thanks to the Megaplier, their initial $1 million prize has escalated to a substantial $3 million each.
Looking ahead, the next drawing is scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Joshua Johnston, the lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, highlighted the joy of holiday gift-giving, suggesting that a Mega Millions ticket could emerge as one of the most thrilling presents if it leads to winning the staggering jackpot.
For those considering the lump sum payout option, the winner would take home approximately $516.1 million, a hefty sum that could certainly brighten anyone’s holiday season. The jackpot’s impressive growth traces back to the last winner on September 10, who claimed an extraordinary $810 million in Texas.
Should someone win the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot in the last two draws of the year, it would set a record for the largest December prize ever. Historically, recent years have seen some of the highest Mega Millions jackpots awarded, including a record $1.6 billion won by a single player in Florida last year.
This ongoing excitement exemplifies the joy and hope that lottery games can bring, especially during the festive season. As people engage in the thrill of chance, it’s a reminder of how a dream of a life-changing win can spark joy and anticipation during the holidays.
For those facing difficulties related to gambling, support is available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 or online at ncpgambling.org/chat.