The Maryland Lottery results for March 18, 2025, brought excitement as participants eagerly awaited to see if they had struck it lucky. On this day, the winning numbers for the Mega Millions drawing showed 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, with the Mega Ball coming in at 24, and a Megaplier of 3. Unfortunately, no one managed to win the big jackpot estimated at a staggering $301 million, which offered a cash option of $140 million. The anticipation for the next draw on March 21, 2025, at 11 p.m. has already begun as players prepare for another chance at fortune.
Despite the absence of a grand prize winner, there were still notable successes. A ticket purchased in California matched the five white balls, earning its holder a $1 million prize. Regarding other games, the Maryland Lottery also had its daily draws, where the Pick 3 numbers for the Midday drawing were 3-4-0 and the Evening drawing was 0-6-8. The winning Pick 4 numbers included a pair of Midday draws with 2-6-7-2 and Evening draws of 8-2-4-1. Additionally, the Pick 5 drew winning numbers of 8-4-0-9-1 for the Midday and 6-8-5-5-8 for the Evening.
Players were equally lucky in the Cash4Life and other quick-draw games, with Cash4Life's winning numbers being 02-11-15-45-54, with a Cash Ball of 03. Specifically, Cash Pop saw the winning numbers for the 9 a.m. draw being 12, followed by 6 at 1 p.m., 4 at 6 p.m., and 13 at 11 p.m. The Bonus Match 5 also generated winners, with numbers 04-06-13-30-36 and a Bonus number of 35.
Knowing how to claim these prizes is crucial for winners. Currently, winning tickets valued up to $600 can be redeemed at Maryland Lottery retailers. For prizes above $600, winners must either claim their winnings by mail or visit a Maryland Lottery office or an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location, including cashiers' windows at several Maryland casinos. It's important for players to remember that prizes over $5,000 must be authenticated in person, emphasizing the need to be cautious of how they approach claiming their luck.
Claiming by mail necessitates signing the winning ticket and sending it with a claim form, alongside a photocopy of a government-issued ID and proof of a Social Security number. All these requirements need to be sent to the Maryland Lottery's Customer Resource Center located at 1800 Washington Boulevard in Baltimore. For larger winnings, Maryland Lottery headquarters and selected casinos can accommodate prizes worth up to $25,000.
Participants of the Mega Millions and other lottery draws are keen to stay updated on the schedules. The Mega Millions draw occurs at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays, while the Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 Midday draws are held at 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and are slightly adjusted for weekends. The evening draws for these games typically begin at 7:56 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, and a bit later on Sundays.
Other notable games in the Maryland Lottery include Cash4Life, which is played daily at 9 p.m., Cash Pop, with draws at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. daily, along with Bonus Match 5 at 7:56 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 8:10 p.m. on Sundays. The multi-draw Powerball options also feature in the line-up at the same time slots.
It's worthwhile to note that this day was not only significant for the Maryland Lottery but echoed across several states, including Ohio and South Carolina, where individuals bought their tickets, anxiously waiting to see if luck would grace them at the drawing that day. Each state has its processes for handling winners and detailing how to spend and claim these hard-won prizes.
In South Carolina, for example, someone purchased a ticket close to winning the grand prize which came from a gas station; despite not claiming the full jackpot, they will receive a consolation prize of $30,000 for matching four out of the six drawn numbers, demonstrating that while the jackpot remains elusive, players can still find solace in smaller wins.
In Ohio, smaller wins were also prominent, with one player receiving a $30,000 jackpot. Numerous players claimed other prizes diminishing larger winnings into tangible support for those engaged in this thrilling game of chance.
As those involved continue purchasing tickets, with prices starting at a mere $2, and custom options available that increase winning odds and prize value, the Mega Millions and general lottery scene will undoubtedly grow in popularity as people strive to clinch their share of this rewarding experience. The odds of winning big, although daunting at 1 in 302,575,350, do not deter the passion that fuels the excitement of participating.
Each drawing carries dreams high, uniting players in anticipation as they believe that a different set of numbers could change their lives forever. As the next draw approaches on March 21, the atmosphere is charged with optimism and possibility, embodying the spirit of lotteries across the nation.
