The Mega Millions drawing held on Friday, May 23, yielded no jackpot winner, with the estimated prize reaching an impressive $154 million, or $69 million for the cash option. The winning numbers for this drawing were 55, 18, 7, 40, and 68, with the Mega Ball also being 18.
Since no one claimed the jackpot, the excitement builds for the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, May 27. Players in Michigan can purchase their tickets until 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw, and the cost of a Mega Millions ticket remains at $5.
For those who are unfamiliar with the game, the Mega Millions format requires players to select six numbers from two different pools: five white balls numbered 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball numbered 1 to 24. Players also have the option to use the Quick Pick feature for a random selection.
Recently, changes in prize multipliers have been introduced, allowing for enhanced winnings from non-jackpot prizes. Prizes range widely, from a minimum of $10 for matching the Mega Ball to millions for matching all five white balls along with the Mega Ball.
The odds of hitting the jackpot stand at 1 in 290,472,336, but many still play for the chance to win other substantial prizes. Jackpot winners have the choice between a lump-sum cash payment or an annuity spread over 30 years, with increasing payments to guard against inflation.
As the anticipation grows for the next Mega Millions drawing, many players are hopeful that they might claim the big prize.