Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $256 Million After Friday’s Drawing Yields No Winner
The anticipation surrounding the Mega Millions lottery is intensifying as the jackpot has surged to an impressive $256 million for the upcoming drawing scheduled for Tuesday. This substantial increase follows Friday night’s drawing, in which no ticket matched all six winning numbers, leaving hopeful participants eagerly awaiting another chance to strike it rich.
For those fortunate enough to match all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing, a life-altering decision awaits: opting for the full jackpot amount paid out over time or choosing a one-time cash payment of approximately $119.7 million. This lump sum option provides immediate access to a significant amount of wealth, allowing winners to pursue their dreams and ambitions without delay.
The winning numbers for Tuesday, March 11, were: 1, 19, 26, 38, 69, with the Mega Ball being 15 and the Megaplier at 3X. These numbers now hold the key to immense fortune for any ticket holder who possesses the matching combination.
The most recent instance of a Mega Millions jackpot winner occurred on January 18, when a lucky lottery ticket holder in Arizona struck gold, claiming a $113 million prize. This victory served as a reminder of the potential for life-changing wins that the Mega Millions lottery offers.
Interestingly, the frequency of jackpot winners in 2024 has been notably low. According to lottery officials, only four tickets have matched all six Mega Millions numbers so far this year. This marks the fewest jackpots won in a calendar year since the game’s inception in 2002, highlighting the challenging odds of winning the top prize.
Despite the absence of a jackpot winner in the recent drawing, one fortunate individual in California managed to secure a significant prize by matching five numbers. This accomplishment earned them a cool $1 million, demonstrating that even without hitting the jackpot, substantial winnings are still within reach.
To stay informed about past winners and other relevant information, the Mega Millions website serves as a valuable resource. Lottery enthusiasts can visit the site to explore the history of the game and learn more about the remarkable stories of those who have experienced the thrill of winning.
For those eager to participate in the Mega Millions lottery, purchasing a ticket is the first step towards potentially claiming the massive jackpot. Tickets can be readily obtained at various locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and even grocery stores. In select states, the convenience of online ticket purchases is also available, allowing players to participate from the comfort of their homes.
When selecting numbers for your Mega Millions ticket, you’ll need to choose six numbers in total. Five of these numbers, known as white balls, must fall within the range of 1 to 70. The remaining number, the gold Mega Ball, has a range of 1 to 25.
If you prefer to leave your fate to chance, or if you simply don’t want to grapple with the decision of selecting numbers, you can opt for a "Quick Pick" or "Easy Pick" option. These features allow the lottery’s computer system to randomly generate numbers for you, ensuring a completely unbiased selection.
For an additional dollar, players can enhance their potential winnings by adding the "Megaplier" feature. This option multiplies non-jackpot prizes by a factor of two, three, four, or five, depending on the Megaplier number drawn before the six Mega Millions numbers. The Megaplier offers an enticing opportunity to significantly increase your winnings, even if you don’t hit the jackpot.
A total of 15 Megaplier balls are included in the drawing, each representing a different multiplier value. The Megaplier adds an extra layer of excitement to the Mega Millions lottery, making it even more appealing to those seeking substantial payouts.
Tickets for the Mega Millions lottery can be purchased in person at a variety of locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some cases, lottery tickets may also be available at airport terminals, providing travelers with an opportunity to try their luck.
For those who prefer the convenience of online purchasing, tickets can be ordered through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in several U.S. states and territories. These include 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 offers a seamless and user-friendly platform for participating in the Mega Millions lottery. Through the app, you can select your lottery game, choose your numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and even collect your winnings, all from the convenience of your phone or home computer.
As the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, Jackpocket provides a trusted and reliable service for lottery enthusiasts. It is important to note that Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services.
To participate in the Mega Millions lottery, you must be at least 18 years old. However, in Arizona, the minimum age is 21, and in Nebraska, it is 19. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, resources are available to provide support and assistance. In New York, you can call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). In Massachusetts, call 1-800-327-5050. In Oregon, call 1-877-MYLIMIT. In Puerto Rico, call 1-800-981-0023. For all other states, call 1-800-GAMBLER. You can also visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
This article was written by Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
