The Mega Millions jackpot has surged past $800 million, creating excitement as it approaches the holiday season just ahead of Thanksgiving. With no winner emerging from Tuesday’s drawing, the next chance to claim a life-changing prize occurs on Friday, offering a cash payout option valued at $391.7 million.
This streak without a jackpot winner is notable, marking the longest duration since the game was launched in 2002. The previous record of 37 drawings without a winner was set on January 22, 2021, when a staggering $1.050 billion jackpot was won in Michigan. According to the multi-state lottery, the current jackpot has been accumulating since it was last claimed in Virginia on June 27.
Should a lucky participant match all six numbers on Friday, they would secure the eighth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Notable previous wins prior to June’s payout included significant jackpots in Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona, showcasing the intense competition and excitement surrounding the game.
Tickets are priced at $5 and can be purchased in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For those interested in trying their luck, ticket sales typically end one to two hours before the drawing, which occurs at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays from Atlanta, Georgia.
Mega Millions emphasizes that the odds of winning any prize stand at 1 in 23, while the probability of winning the jackpot itself is considerably lower at 1 in 290,472,336. This rarity only adds to the anticipation and buzz surrounding each drawing, as hopeful players dream of hitting the jackpot during this festive time of year.