Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $277 Million Ahead of Friday’s Drawing

The Mega Millions lottery is generating excitement nationwide as the jackpot has escalated to a substantial $277 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday. This enticing prize follows Tuesday night’s drawing, where no ticket managed to match all six winning numbers, leaving the top prize unclaimed and setting the stage for an even larger potential windfall this week.

For those dreaming of instant wealth, the prospect of winning such a massive jackpot is undoubtedly appealing. Should a lucky player successfully match all six numbers drawn on Friday night, they will have the option to choose between the full $277 million paid out in annual installments over several years, or a one-time cash payment of $128.4 million. While the annuity option provides a steady stream of income over an extended period, the allure of a lump sum payment is often the more popular choice, allowing winners to pursue immediate financial goals and investments.

The drawing is scheduled to take place shortly after 11 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Friday, and eager participants can anticipate the winning numbers being promptly posted online. Lottery enthusiasts are encouraged to check the results soon after the drawing to see if their numbers align with the winning combination.

The anticipation surrounding this week’s drawing is heightened by the fact that large Mega Millions jackpots have been relatively infrequent this year. The most recent significant Mega Millions win occurred on January 18, when a fortunate lottery ticket holder in Arizona claimed a $113 million jackpot.

Notably, the lottery has reported that only four tickets have matched all six Mega Millions numbers throughout 2024 so far. This unusually low number of jackpot winners marks the fewest jackpots awarded in a calendar year since the Mega Millions game began in 2002, adding to the sense of anticipation and the feeling that the odds may be shifting in favor of players.

The winning numbers for Friday, March 14, will be officially announced and readily available online soon after the drawing concludes. Participants can stay informed by checking reputable lottery websites and news sources.

The announcement of winning lottery numbers is sponsored by Jackpocket, an official digital lottery courier affiliated with the USA TODAY Network. This partnership underscores the increasing accessibility of lottery games through digital platforms.

Any official announcements of Mega Millions winners will be released by lottery officials and promptly shared with the public. To verify past winning numbers and explore the history of Mega Millions winners, players can visit the official Mega Millions website.

Participating in the Mega Millions lottery requires purchasing a ticket, which can be conveniently obtained at a variety of locations. Common retail outlets such as local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores typically sell lottery tickets. In some states, players have the added convenience of purchasing Mega Millions tickets online, expanding access and streamlining the process.

Once a ticket is in hand, the next step is to choose six numbers. The selection process involves choosing five white ball numbers, each ranging from 1 to 70, and one gold Mega Ball number, ranging from 1 to 25.

For those who prefer a hands-off approach or simply feel unsure about selecting their own numbers, there are convenient options available. Players can opt for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," which instructs the lottery computer to randomly generate the six numbers for the ticket. This eliminates the need for manual selection and provides a completely random set of numbers, potentially increasing the odds of winning.

To enhance the potential winnings, players have the option of adding the "Megaplier" for an additional dollar. The Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or five times, significantly increasing the value of lower-tier winnings. The Megaplier number is drawn before the main six Mega Millions numbers are drawn, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. There are 15 Megaplier balls in total, each representing a different multiplier value.

Tickets can be purchased in person at various retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In some cases, lottery tickets may also be available for purchase at airport terminals, providing travelers with an opportunity to participate.

For those who prefer the convenience of online purchasing, Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, offers a secure and user-friendly platform. Jackpocket allows players to order tickets online in several 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 streamlines the entire lottery experience, allowing users to select their preferred lottery game and numbers, place their order securely, view their digital ticket, and conveniently collect their winnings all from their phone or home computer.

Jackpocket’s role as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network underscores the growing trend of online lottery participation. It’s important to note that Gannett, the parent company of USA TODAY, may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services.

It’s essential to be aware of age restrictions and responsible gambling guidelines when participating in lottery games. Participants must be at least 18 years old in most states, with some exceptions: 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery, and resources are available for those who may have a gambling problem.

For those seeking help with problem gambling, resources include: Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Full terms and conditions can be found at jackpocket.com/tos.

Fernando Cervantes Jr., a trending news reporter for USA TODAY, is the author of this article. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X @fern_cerv_.