The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an impressive $825 million this holiday season, thanks to a recent drawing where no tickets matched the winning numbers: 56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and the Mega Ball 18. Despite no one landing the jackpot, a number of players struck it rich by matching five numbers. Among the big winners, two tickets sold in California and one each in Louisiana and Oklahoma netted $1 million each. Additionally, a ticket in North Carolina matched all five numbers along with the Megaplier, earning a total of $4 million.
In this latest drawing, several players also won substantial prizes, with some tickets claiming up to $40,000 by matching four balls plus the Mega Ball. In total, 38 tickets across various states won $10,000 each, with three of them sold in Illinois, per the state lottery website.
Looking ahead, the next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, December 20, where the estimated jackpot of $825 million would represent the largest prize ever awarded in December and the seventh largest in the game’s history. Since its inception in 2002, 13 Mega Millions jackpots have been won in December, with many of those wins occurring prior to Christmas. Interestingly, there has never been a jackpot win on Christmas Day itself, although the drawings have taken place on that holiday six times.
This year’s Mega Millions has seen a lower number of jackpots, with only three winners so far, marking the fewest wins in any single year since the lottery began.
The drawing takes place at 10 p.m. CT on Friday, and tickets are priced at $2 each, although a price increase is set for 2025.
In summary, while the current jackpot is enticing, the festive spirit coupled with a potential record-breaking win adds an exciting element to the holiday season. For many, playing the lottery is not just about the winnings, but also the thrill of participating in a collective dream of hitting it big. Good luck to all participants!