The Mega Millions jackpot has surged this holiday season, now reaching an impressive $825 million. The increase in the prize comes after Tuesday’s drawing failed to yield a jackpot winner, as no ticket successfully matched the winning numbers: 56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and the Mega Ball 18.
Despite the absence of a jackpot winner, several participants enjoyed substantial rewards. Multiple players who matched five numbers claimed $1 million each, including two lucky tickets sold in California, along with one winner each from Louisiana and Oklahoma. Additionally, one North Carolina ticket not only matched all five numbers but also included the megaplier, resulting in a payout of $4 million.
There were also notable wins for other ticket holders, with prizes reaching up to $40,000 for those who matched four numbers plus the Mega Ball. A total of 38 tickets secured wins of $10,000 in the latest drawing, with three of those sold in Illinois, as reported by the state’s lottery website.
Looking ahead, the Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming drawing on Friday, December 20, is set at $825 million. Should anyone hit the jackpot, the cash option would be approximately $382.2 million. Lottery officials highlight that if won, it would mark the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history.
Historically, there have been 13 Mega Millions jackpots won in December since the game’s inception in 2002, predominantly before the Christmas holiday. While drawings have occurred on Christmas Day in the past, there has yet to be a jackpot win on that date.
This year has seen only three Mega Millions jackpots claimed, the lowest number of wins recorded in a single year since the game’s launch.
The next Mega Millions drawing will take place at 10 p.m. CT on Friday, with tickets priced at $2 each, although prices are expected to rise substantially in 2025.
In summary, the excitement surrounding the Mega Millions continues to build, with a substantial jackpot on the line. As we approach the holiday season, players are hopeful that the next drawing might bring luck to some, adding an element of joy and anticipation to this festive time of year.