The Mega Millions jackpot has been steadily growing with no winners in recent weeks, reaching an estimated $348 million for the upcoming drawing scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 11 p.m. ET. The cash option for this massive jackpot stands at a hefty $155.5 million, making it a tantalizing prize for lottery enthusiasts.
This projected amount surpasses the previous jackpot of $326 million from the last drawing on June 24 by over $20 million. The last Mega Millions jackpot was claimed back on April 18 by the Ironwood Family Trust in Ohio, where they scooped a win of $112 million c$49.3 million in cashc.
In 2025 so far, there have been three Mega Millions jackpot winners, with two earlier wins on January 17 and March 25, awarding $112 million and $349 million, respectively. However, the odds of hitting the actual jackpot are quite slim, at 1 in 290,472,336, making it a challenging feat for hopeful participants.
Mega Millions drawings occur twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. During these draws, five white balls and one gold Mega Ball are selected, offering participants nine different ways to win varying prizes ranging from $10 to the jackpot. If no one secures the jackpot, the unclaimed funds are rolled over, leading to even more substantial winnings in the next round.
The game saw some rule adjustments on April 8, including a higher ticket price of $5. However, this increase includes an exciting multiplier feature that can potentially escalate non-jackpot prizes up to tenfold. Participants select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. It's important to note that players can either choose their numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery machine generates a random selection.
Participants aiming for the jackpot need to bear in mind that the odds of winning stand at 1 in 290,472,336, emphasizing the sheer luck required to secure the grand prize. For easier accessibility, tickets can be purchased in 45 states across the US, along with the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. Gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores are typical locations for ticket sales, with options for online purchasing available in select states through platforms like Jackpocket.
When it comes to claiming the jackpot, winners have the choice between an annuity or a cash payment. The annuity option entails one immediate payout followed by 29 annual installments, each increasing by 5% to account for inflation. In contrast, the cash option provides a lump-sum payment equivalent to the total cash amassed in the jackpot prize pool.
Although the odds may seem daunting, many continue to try their luck in lottery games like Mega Millions, hoping to defy the statistical probabilities and secure a life-changing jackpot. With the anticipation building for future draws, the excitement and thrill of the possibility of winning big remain strong among participants across the country.