Washington, D.C. – The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.1 billion after no winning tickets emerged from Friday night’s drawing. This monumental jackpot has captured the attention of lottery players across the nation, with hopes running high for the next drawing.
The winning numbers drawn on Friday evening were 3, 8, 31, 35, and 44, with a Mega ball of 16. Despite no one claiming the nearly $977 million jackpot, five lucky players in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, and Texas each matched all five white balls to secure $1 million. Additionally, a player in Virginia matched all five white balls along with the Megaplier, winning $3 million.
The upcoming Mega Millions drawing scheduled for Tuesday will present players with the chance to vie for the extraordinary $1.1 billion grand prize, offering a cash alternative of $525.8 million. Participants typically opt for the cash prize instead of the annuity spread over 29 years.
The odds of clinching the grand prize stand at 1 in 302,575,350, making it a highly challenging feat. The previous Mega Millions jackpot was claimed on December 8th by two victors in California, who shared a $395 million reward.
Florida witnessed the historic win of the record $1.602 billion jackpot on August 8, 2023, marking it as the largest single-ticket lottery win in the world. This current $1.1 billion jackpot ranks as the fifth-largest ever offered by the Mega Millions game.
Players from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in Mega Millions, with a ticket purchase deadline of 9:45 p.m. on drawing nights. As excitement mounts for the next drawing, anticipation surges as players hope to secure the grand prize and change their lives forever.