Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $80 Million: Your Chance to Win Big on Friday
The excitement is building as the Mega Millions jackpot surges to an impressive $80 million, presenting hopefuls with another opportunity to strike it rich this Friday. After no player successfully matched all six winning numbers in Tuesday’s drawing, the grand prize has escalated, capturing the attention of lottery enthusiasts nationwide. If a lucky individual manages to correctly predict all the winning numbers in Friday night’s draw, they’ll face the life-altering decision of choosing between the full jackpot paid out over time or a substantial one-time cash payment of $36.4 million.
The drawing is scheduled to take place shortly after 11 p.m. ET, and the winning numbers will be promptly announced and updated in this article as soon as they are officially released. Lottery fever is in the air, with players dreaming of the possibilities that such a windfall could unlock.
This year has already been a prosperous one for Mega Millions players, with three significant jackpot winners emerging in the past few months. The most recent triumph occurred on April 18 in Ohio, where a fortunate ticket holder claimed a staggering $112 million jackpot. Before that, on March 25, a player in Illinois experienced the ultimate lottery success, taking home a life-changing $344 million. The year kicked off with a bang as another lucky person secured a Mega Millions jackpot on January 17. These prior wins serve as powerful reminders that the dream of winning big is very much alive and within reach for anyone who participates.
As Friday approaches, players across the country are eagerly anticipating the drawing, envisioning how they might spend their potential winnings. From paying off debts and securing financial futures to traveling the world and pursuing lifelong passions, the possibilities seem limitless.
For those unfamiliar with the Mega Millions lottery, participation is straightforward. To play, you must purchase a ticket, which can be readily found at a variety of locations, including your neighborhood convenience store, gas station, or grocery store. In select states, the convenience is further enhanced by the option to purchase Mega Millions tickets online, eliminating the need for an in-person visit.
Once you have your ticket in hand, the next step is to choose your numbers. The Mega Millions game requires players to select six numbers in total. Five of these numbers are designated as white balls, and they must fall within the range of 1 to 70. The sixth number is the gold Mega Ball, which is selected from a separate pool ranging from 1 to 24.
For those who find the process of selecting numbers daunting or who simply prefer to leave it to chance, there’s a convenient solution: the Quick Pick or Easy Pick option. By requesting this option from the lottery retailer, the computer will automatically generate a random set of numbers for your ticket, removing the pressure of having to make the selections yourself. This is a popular choice for many players who believe in the power of luck and destiny.
A recent enhancement to Mega Millions tickets is the inclusion of a built-in multiplier. This multiplier significantly boosts non-jackpot prizes, increasing them by two, three, four, five, or even 10 times their original value. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add the Megaplier feature, but now it’s included at no additional cost. The multiplier is determined by a random draw before the Mega Millions numbers are selected, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. There are 15 Megaplier balls in total, each corresponding to a different multiplier value.
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
For added convenience, you can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: 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 allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? 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). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
As the Mega Millions drawing draws closer, the anticipation and excitement continue to mount. Whether you choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, the possibility of winning big is very real. So, grab your ticket, cross your fingers, and get ready to dream big as you await the results of Friday night’s drawing. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game! Check back here after 11 p.m. ET for the winning numbers and to see if you’re the next Mega Millions jackpot winner.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
