A single winning ticket for the estimated $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday night emerged from New Jersey, according to game officials. This marked the fifth largest prize ever won in Mega Millions history and the first time in the current year that all the numbers aligned for the grand prize.
The Mega Millions jackpot had remained elusive for over three months, spanning 31 draws since two fortunate tickets in California hit the jackpot on December 8.
The winning numbers for Tuesday were 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38, with the Mega Ball being 4.
This jackpot was estimated as the eighth largest in U.S. lottery records. The all-time highest Mega Millions jackpot of $1.602 billion was secured on August 8 the previous year with a single ticket sold in Florida. The biggest lottery prize in U.S. history, a staggering $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, was won in California in February 2023.
Winners of such jackpots can choose between a lump sum cash payment or receiving the winnings spread out over 30 years in yearly installments. Only those opting for the annuity option receive the full jackpot amount. The lump sum payment estimated for Tuesday night’s draw stood at $537.5 million before taxes.
Mega Millions drawings occur on Tuesday and Friday nights, while Powerball holds its drawings on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. As of Tuesday night, Powerball had an estimated jackpot of $865 million.
To claim the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the yellow Mega Ball. Lesser prizes, starting from $2, are awarded for matching some, but not all, of the drawn numbers. The chances of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, while the odds of hitting the jackpot are a daunting 1 in 302,575,350.
Mega Millions tickets are available for purchase in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The standard ticket costs $2, with options to add extras for additional fees to boost non-jackpot prizes.
The upcoming Mega Millions drawing will commence with an estimated $20 million jackpot, marking the starting point for the jackpot cycle.
