A New Jersey resident has struck it rich, winning a million dollars in Friday night’s Mega Millions lottery. While no one clinched the grand jackpot, two tickets did manage to match all five white balls, securing substantial prizes. According to the Mega Millions website, these fortunate tickets were sold in California and New Jersey.
The New Jersey ticket has awarded its holder a cool $1 million, though the precise location where this ticket was purchased remains undisclosed. By contrast, the California ticket, sold in Newport Coast, has netted a more impressive sum of $1,016,356, owing to the state’s prize calculations based on actual ticket sales within its jurisdiction.
The Mega Millions jackpot, which saw no takers last night, has now ballooned to an estimated $198 million. The next drawing on Tuesday night will see eager participants vying for this staggering amount, which carries a cash option of $245.3 million. The last time the jackpot was won was on June 4, when an Illinois player bagged $552 million, marking the ninth-largest win in Mega Millions history.
On Friday, August 16, 2024, the Mega Millions winning numbers were 22, 38, 48, 51, 61, with the Megaball being 5 and a Megaplier of 3x. As hopeful players look forward to the next draw, those considering their odds should remember that a single ticket has a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of hitting the jackpot.
For those new to Mega Millions, the game involves selecting five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball, with tickets priced at $2 each. An additional $1 for the Megaplier can increase potential winnings up to five times, excluding the jackpot. Players have the luxury to either choose their numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, wherein the lottery machine generates random numbers.
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah as the exceptions. Enthusiasts can purchase tickets at various retail outlets, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. Digital convenience is also on offer, with the Jackpocket app allowing residents in specified states to buy tickets online, view their tickets, and collect winnings.
Lastly, as the Mega Millions frenzy continues, it’s important for players to verify the cut-off times for purchasing their tickets, which can vary by state and retailer. And while the lure of the massive jackpot might be strong, keeping realistic expectations is crucial, given the astronomical odds.
