$1 Billion – NBC Chicago
A Lucky Break for a Mega Millions Winner
A lucky lottery player could see a Mega Millions Christmas miracle. With the next Mega Millions drawing set to take place on Christmas Eve, the jackpot has swelled to $1 billion, according to lottery officials, with a cash value of $448.8 million.
A Record-Breaking Jackpot
It’s the seventh largest jackpot in game history, lottery officials said. If Tuesday’s game sees a winner, it will be the largest jackpot won in December, lottery officials added.
Upcoming Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing takes place at 10 p.m. CT December 24.
Recent Winners
Lottery players in Illinois and Indiana still came away with big prizes in Friday’s game, taking home $1 million each.
How to Play
Mega Millions tickets run players $2, with prices set to increase in the new year. By adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non-jackpot winnings up to five times. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Jackpot History
According to lottery officials, the largest Mega Millions jackpots won in game history are:
- $1.602 billion: Aug. 8, 2023, 1 winning ticket in Florida.
- $1.537 billion: Oct. 23, 2018, 1 winning ticket in South Carolina.
- $1.348 billion: Jan. 13, 2023, 1 winning ticket in Maine.
- $1.337 billion: July 29, 2022. 1 winning ticket in Illinois
- $1.128 billion: 3/26/2024, 1 winning ticket in New Jersey
- $1.050 billion: 1/22/2021, 1 winning ticket in Michigan
- $810 million: Sept. 10, 2024, 1 winning ticket in Texas
- $656 million: March 30, 2012, 3 winning tickets in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
- $648 million: Dec. 17, 2013, 2 winning tickets in California and Georgia
Conclusion
The next Mega Millions drawing is just around the corner, and one lucky player could win a life-changing sum of $1 billion. With the cash value of $448.8 million, this is an opportunity that’s hard to pass up. Don’t miss your chance to play and potentially change your life forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to play Mega Millions?
A: Mega Millions tickets run players $2 each, with the option to add the Megaplier for an extra dollar per play.
Q: How often are Mega Millions drawings held?
A: Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Q: Can I increase my non-jackpot winnings?
A: Yes, by adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non-jackpot winnings up to five times.
