The Mega Millions jackpot has skyrocketed past the $1 billion mark following Friday night’s drawing, leaving hopeful ticket holders eagerly awaiting the next chance to strike it rich.

Record-Breaking Prize

With no grand prize winner in the latest drawing, the Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.1 billion for Tuesday’s draw. This marks the fifth-largest prize in Mega Millions history and the seventh-largest jackpot ever seen in U.S. lottery history.

Previous Estimations and Winning Numbers

Before the recent drawing, the jackpot was expected to be $977 million. The winning numbers drawn were 3-8-31-35-44, with the Mega Ball being 16 and a 3x MegaPlier.

Despite the absence of a jackpot winner, six fortunate ticket holders managed to match enough numbers to claim at least $1 million each. Tickets sold in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, and Texas all matched the five white ball numbers, entitling their holders to $1 million each. Additionally, a ticket sold in Virginia won $2 million by also possessing the Megaplier.

Cash Prize and Recent Jackpot Wins

For those fortunate enough to clinch the jackpot, the cash prize stands at a staggering $525.8 million for Tuesday’s draw. Mega Millions has not witnessed a grand prize winner since December 8, 2023, when two tickets shared a $394 million jackpot.

A Year of Big Wins

The past year has been notable for colossal lottery jackpots, with two Mega Millions and one Powerball jackpot each exceeding $1 billion.

Odds of Winning

Despite the allure of the massive jackpot, the odds of winning stand at a daunting one in 302,575,350.

Key Information

• Mega Millions Drawing Schedule: Drawings occur on Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Largest US Lottery Jackpots:
• $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022 (one ticket, from California)
• $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, August 8, 2023 (one ticket, from Florida)
• $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016 (three tickets, from California, Florida, Tennessee)
• $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018 (one ticket, from South Carolina)
• $1.348 billion Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023 (one ticket, from Maine)
• $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022 (one ticket, from Illinois)
• $1.1 billion (estimated), Mega Millions, March 26, 2024 (current)
• $1.08 billion, Powerball, July 19, 2023 (one ticket, from California)
• $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021 (one ticket, from Michigan)
• $842.4 million, Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024 (one ticket, from Michigan)

Anticipation Builds as Mega Millions Jackpot Surpasses $1 Billion

As the Mega Millions jackpot climbs to unprecedented heights, excitement mounts among players across the nation, all vying for a chance to claim a share of the staggering $1.1 billion prize pool. With each drawing, the dreams of millions hang in the balance, as they hope to defy the odds and secure a life-changing windfall.

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