Lottery players across several states had their hopes high for the Mega Millions drawing on Friday night, May 3, 2025, with a substantial jackpot of $80 million on the line for the annuitized prize, or $36.4 million for those opting for a lump sum. Unfortunately for many, no ticket matched the winning numbers, leaving the jackpot intact and rolling over for the next drawing.
In Louisiana, where the game has been played since November 2011, players are still waiting for their first Mega Millions jackpot winner. Despite this, the Louisiana Lottery reported a flurry of activity around the latest drawing. Almost 50 tickets sold in the state earned a prize with a "10x" multiplier on a Mega Ball match, which means those lucky players who spent $5 on their tickets walked away with $50 for matching just one number. In total, 74 tickets sold in Louisiana had winnings multiplied by 10, with the largest single payout reaching $2,000 for three tickets sold.
Similarly, Texas players have also been trying their luck with the new Mega Millions format since April 8, 2025. The state has a rich history with the lottery, having sold 14 jackpot-winning tickets since the game was introduced in 2003. However, like Louisiana, Texas did not produce any grand prize winners in the latest drawing. Instead, 563 tickets earned a prize with a "10x" multiplier, but the highest payout for Texas players was capped at $2,000.
For those curious, the winning numbers for the Mega Millions drawing on May 3, 2025, were 14, 37, 40, 41, 68, with a Mega Ball of 02. This combination did not yield any jackpot winners, but it did spark excitement among players hoping for a slice of the action in the upcoming draws.
In New York, the Mega Millions drawing also attracted attention, with several players cashing in on smaller prizes. According to the New York State Lottery, there were 11 fourth-place winning tickets sold, each netting between $1,000 and $2,500, while 28 fifth-place tickets won between $400 and $2,000. Despite the lack of a grand prize winner, the excitement continues to build as the jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, May 6, rises to an impressive $90 million.
The Mega Millions game, known for its large jackpots, has been a staple of American lottery culture, and its recent changes have been well-received by players. The annuity option, which pays out over 20 years, allows winners to accrue interest, making it an attractive choice for those looking to secure their financial future. However, many still prefer the lump sum option for immediate gratification.
As the weekend approaches, players are also looking forward to the Powerball drawing scheduled for Saturday night, May 4, 2025, with a jackpot of $44 million. Lottery enthusiasts are reminded that ticket sales for Powerball will close at least one hour before the drawing, which takes place at 10 PM local time.
In addition to Powerball, Louisiana players can also try their luck with Lotto, boasting a jackpot of $650,000, and the Easy 5 game, which offers a top prize of $130,000. The variety of games available keeps players engaged and hopeful for a big win.
As always, lottery players are encouraged to play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive, and resources are available for those who may need help. In Louisiana, players can call 1-877-770-STOP (7867) for confidential support.
With the Mega Millions and Powerball games continuing to generate excitement, players across the country are eagerly anticipating the next drawing, hoping to turn their dreams into reality. Who knows? The next winner could be just a ticket away!
