Mega Millions players in Ohio may not have snagged the $129 million jackpot on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, but that doesn't mean it was a losing night for everyone. Thousands of Ohioans still celebrated as winners after matching some of the drawn numbers. The winning numbers for the Mega Millions draw were 11, 19, 31, 49, 56, with the Mega Ball being 16. The Megaplier option chosen for the draw was set at 3x, adding an extra layer of excitement for participants.
However, the lack of a jackpot winner means the prize money has rolled over to create an even more enticing pot. The current Mega Millions jackpot stands at a tempting $145 million, with a cash option available worth $66.3 million. Lottery enthusiasts eager to try their luck again can set their sights on the upcoming draw scheduled for 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The odds of clinching the Mega Millions jackpot are steep, standing at one in 302,575,350. This challenging probability doesn't deter the countless players who try their hand at this game of chance in the hopes of striking it rich. Ohio has witnessed its fair share of lottery success stories in past draws, with fortunate individuals taking home substantial winnings.
Participants in the Mega Millions draw shell out $2 per ticket for a shot at winning big. On top of this base cost, players can opt to add the Megaplier feature for an additional dollar. This add-on has the potential to multiply the prize amount by up to five times for all winnings except the jackpot, injecting an extra dose of anticipation into the game.
To play Mega Millions, individuals select five numbers from a range of 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. For those who prefer a more random approach, the lottery machine can generate a Quick Pick selection. It's worth noting that neither U.S. citizenship nor residency in a particular state is mandatory for purchasing a ticket, making this game accessible to a broad audience of aspiring winners.
One way to boost the thrill of anticipation before the draw is to check out which numbers have been historically drawn most frequently in Mega Millions. These insights might provide an edge when selecting one's lucky digits. The wide reach of Mega Millions ensures that players in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, can chase their dreams of a jackpot win.
While the jackpot is undoubtedly the ultimate prize, there are other significant rewards up for grabs. Matching just the Mega Ball can secure a $2 win, whereas landing all five white balls, except in California, could net a player up to $1 million. For detailed information on prize payouts, players can visit the official Mega Millions website.
As anticipation builds towards the next draw, players need to be mindful of the deadline for purchasing tickets in their respective states. The timeframe may vary, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour before the actual drawing. Some third-party lottery apps may have different deadlines, so it's advisable to check well in advance to ensure participation.
Whether players are seasoned lottery aficionados or casual participants feeling lucky, the Mega Millions draw continues to captivate audiences with the promise of life-changing jackpots. While the odds may be daunting, the allure of a massive payout remains a powerful draw, prompting many to try their luck in the hopes of transforming a simple $2 ticket into a millionaire's windfall.