Mega Millions’ $1.05 billion jackpot is once again available; here’s all you need to know
On Tuesday night, a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot will once again be up for grabs, offering lottery players the opportunity to end a string of bad luck that has lasted for many months. The jackpot has been gradually increasing since April, when a ticket holder in New York correctly matched all six numbers to win a $20 million reward. Since the last jackpot was won, 46 players have received second-tier payouts totaling $1 million or more, according to a Mega Millions lottery press release.
The chances of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are one in 302.6 million, so both unfortunate circumstances and bad luck contributed to the drought. The likelihood of winning prizes between $1 million and $2 million is much greater.
The single winner of the $1.05 billion prize may elect to receive yearly payments through an annuity over a 30-year period. If they choose for a lump sum settlement, one winner would get $527.9 million. Federal taxes and several state levies would also apply to lottery winners.
The biggest Mega Millions jackpots are listed below:
(As of October 23, 2018) $1.537 billion
(As of January 13, 2023): $1.348 billion
(July 29, 2022) $1.337 billion
(Estimated as of August 1, 2023) $1.1 billion
(As of January 22, 2021) $1.05 billion
(As of March 30, 2012) $656 million
(As of December 17, 2013) $648 million
(As of July 24, 2018) $543 million
(As of July 8, 2016) $536 million
$533,000,000 (as of March 30, 2018)
The top five Mega Millions numbers for the first five numbers, according to USA Mega, which examines Mega Millions statistics, are 17, 10, 14, 31, and 4. The Mega Ball number that appears the most often is 22. A fortunate winner in South Carolina took home the $1.537 billion prize that was the greatest Mega Millions jackpot in history in 2018.
Mega Millions is available in Washington, D.C., and the US Virgin Island in addition to 45 states. There are nine different ways to win, and tickets cost $2. On Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 p.m. ET, the draws take place.
$1.05 billion Meta-Intro Lottery players will have the opportunity to break a months-long streak of unluck and have a chance to win thanks to the Mega Millions jackpot being up for grabs.
