Mega Millions Jackpot Swells to $100 Million

The allure of immense wealth continues to captivate lottery enthusiasts as the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to a staggering $100 million. This exciting development follows the Tuesday, May 6, drawing where no ticket matched all the coveted winning numbers. The anticipation is now building for the Friday, May 9, drawing, where one lucky individual could potentially become the next multi-millionaire.

For those dreaming of a life transformed by sudden fortune, the Friday night drawing holds immense promise. If a ticket holder manages to correctly match all six numbers, they will face a life-altering decision: accept the full jackpot paid out over time or opt for a one-time cash payment. For this particular drawing, the estimated cash value stands at a tempting $45.3 million.

The drawing is scheduled to take place shortly after 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Eager participants can find the winning numbers posted shortly thereafter. The announcement will be eagerly awaited by millions across the nation, each holding their breath in hopes that their carefully selected numbers align with destiny.

This year has already witnessed the birth of several Mega Millions millionaires. The most recent triumph occurred on April 18 in Ohio, where a fortunate player claimed a $112 million jackpot. Prior to that, on March 25, an Illinois resident experienced the euphoria of winning a substantial $344 million jackpot. Back in January, on the 17th, another individual secured a $113 million jackpot, further fueling the nationwide lottery frenzy.

The winning numbers for the Friday, May 9, 2025, drawing will be prominently displayed once the official drawing has concluded. The results will be eagerly disseminated across various media platforms, ensuring that hopeful participants can quickly check their tickets and ascertain their fate.

Lottery enthusiasts can appreciate that the winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This collaboration emphasizes the increasing accessibility and convenience of participating in lottery games.

Once the winning numbers are confirmed, lottery officials will promptly announce any Mega Millions winners. These announcements are typically made through official press releases and media outlets, allowing the public to celebrate the success stories of the newly minted millionaires. For those interested in exploring the history of Mega Millions winners, the official Mega Millions website offers a comprehensive archive of past results.

To embark on the Mega Millions journey, the first step involves acquiring a ticket. Tickets are readily available at a wide array of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and even grocery stores. Furthermore, in an increasingly digital age, some states now offer the option of purchasing Mega Millions tickets online, adding another layer of convenience for players.

Once a ticket is in hand, the next step involves selecting six numbers. The process entails choosing five white ball numbers, ranging from 1 to 70, and one gold Mega Ball number, ranging from 1 to 24. This decision-making process often involves personal strategies, lucky numbers, or simply a random selection based on intuition.

For those who prefer a hands-off approach or simply feel overwhelmed by the number selection process, the "Quick Pick" or "Easy Pick" options offer a convenient alternative. These options allow the lottery terminal to randomly generate the numbers, removing the burden of choice and adding an element of surprise to the game.

In an exciting enhancement to the Mega Millions experience, tickets now include a built-in multiplier, offering the potential to significantly increase non-jackpot prizes. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add the "Megaplier"; however, this feature is now included for free. The multiplier can increase non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or even ten times, adding an extra layer of excitement and potential rewards. There are 15 Megaplier balls in all.

Mega Millions tickets are readily available for purchase in person at a variety of locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. For travelers, some airport terminals may also offer lottery ticket sales, providing a last-minute opportunity to participate in the excitement.

For those seeking the convenience of online participation, Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, offers a seamless platform for ordering tickets online. This service is currently available in a growing number of U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app empowers users to select their preferred lottery game, choose their numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and even collect their winnings, all from the convenience of their phone or home computer. This digital platform has revolutionized the lottery experience, making it more accessible and convenient than ever before.

It’s important to remember that gambling should be approached responsibly. Jackpocket prominently displays responsible gambling information, including contact details for problem gambling helplines. In New York, individuals can call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). In Massachusetts, the number is 1-800-327-5050. Oregon residents can call 1-877-MYLIMIT, while those in Puerto Rico can call 1-800-981-0023. For all other states, the national problem gambling helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER.

Jackpocket’s terms of service can be found at jackpocket.com/tos, providing comprehensive information on the platform’s policies and regulations.

Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY, covers breaking stories and developing events. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @fern_cerv_.