The Mega Millions lottery has reached staggering heights as the jackpot now stands at $1.15 billion, following the Christmas Eve drawing where no one was able to match the winning numbers. The drawing on December 24, 2024, yielded numbers 11, 14, 38, 45, 46, and the Mega Ball was 3, with the Megaplier set at 3X. Excitement buzzes around the prospect of this being one of the largest jackpots in Mega Millions history.
With the possibility of winning such a life-changing amount, lottery players nationwide are eager for the next drawing set for December 27, 2024, at 11 p.m. ET. According to WJW, the last time the jackpot was won was on September 10, when $810 million was snagged by a lucky player in Texas. Since then, no players have struck it rich, and the jackpot has continued to grow.
The current $1.15 billion jackpot marks the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever recorded, alongside being the ninth-largest jackpot across all U.S. lotteries. The Mega Millions lottery has seen the jackpot hit the billion-dollar mark six times, shimmering with excitement for players as they hope to become the next big winner. "The grand prize for Tuesday night’s Christmas Eve drawing has crossed the billion-dollar mark for only the seventh time in the game’s history," as reported by NewsNation.
Despite the enticing jackpot, 2024 has been noted as one of the unluckiest years for lottery players, with only three jackpots awarded so far—making it the fewest wins to date since Mega Millions started. Some players have still found fortune; four tickets matched five numbers to win $1 million each, sold across California, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, bringing some joy to those states.
The odds of taking home the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302 million, which puts the elusive win out of reach for many, though players can celebrate smaller wins with lower matches. Players must pick six numbers for each ticket—five from white balls numbered 1 through 70 and one from the Mega Ball pool numbered 1 through 25. Tickets can be purchased at the cost of $2 per ticket, with adding the Megaplier option available for $1, providing opportunities to multiply non-jackpot winnings.
The upcoming drawing is not just about the money; it is about the hope and anticipation of life-altering changes for the potential winners. When the numbers are drawn, players nationwide will hold their breath as they check their tickets, hoping to match the winning numbers. “The next Mega Millions drawing is at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024,” adds NewsNation.
For those interested and feeling lucky, buying tickets for Mega Millions can be done at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery shops. Some states even allow for online purchases. The app “Jackpocket” has emerged as the official digital courier of the USA TODAY Network, allowing for easier access to games.
Winning the lottery can incite exhilarating dreams, but it also presents practical questions on how winners can remain anonymous. Some states, including New Jersey, allow winners to keep their identities hidden, but this isn’t universal across the nation. Regardless of individual outcomes, the intrigue surrounding the Mega Millions continues to enchant players and observers alike, as dreams of becoming instant millionaires swirl through the air.
With the Mega Millions jackpot now at $1.15 billion and drawing closer to unimaginable wealth, will someone finally break the streak of no jackpot winners? The next drawing promises to keep hearts racing as the nation waits and hopes for the next big win.
