Mega Millions jackpot hits $940 million, here’s how and where you can play
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LANSING, MI -- Whether you’re a casual player or someone who never misses a drawing, 2023 is kicking off with a bang for lottery players as the current Mega Millions jackpot is worth $940 million. With nearly $1 billion on the line, players across the country will be buying up tickets ahead of the next drawing which is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6.
But if you’ve never played before or only have limited experience buying lottery tickets, picking up your shot at nearly $1 billion can be a little confusing. Have no fear, this guide will explain what Mega Millions is, what you need to do in order to play and how you can buy tickets, even from the comfort of your own home.
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game that is available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players select five white numbers that range from 1-70 and a single gold number between 1-25. You can choose to pick your own numbers or you can ask for an “easy pick” which will give a randomized set of numbers for the drawing.
To win the jackpot, players must match all five white numbers and the gold ball. However, players can also win prizes for matching as few as one white ball and the gold ball or you can win your money back by just matching the gold ball. Depending on how many numbers you match, the larger your prize will be.
Each ticket with a set of numbers -- five white and one gold -- is $2, meaning 3 sets would cost $6. You can also add the “multiplier” option for $1 extra per ticket which guarantees to multiply your winnings by anywhere from double to 10 times the amount if you win. That means a $100 win can become $500 if you play the multiplier and the 5x option comes up.
Keep in mind, the multiplier does not apply to the grand prize so you cannot win the jackpot and multiply it.
Mega Millions drawings take place at 11 p.m. EST every Tuesday and Friday. In Michigan, you can purchase tickets for the drawing until 10:45 p.m. at more than 10,500 lottery retail locations in Michigan. Tickets can be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and more.
If you don’t have time to make it to a retailer ahead of the drawing and are in Michigan, you can also purchase tickets online through the Michigan Lottery website. To purchase tickets online, you must create an account, add your payment information, find the game you want to play and then buy the tickets.
To create an account, visit the website and click “register” near the top of the page. From there you will enter your email address, full name, birthdate, social security number and other information that the state will use to verify your age and identity which helps Lottery officials contact you in case you win a large prize.
Once your account,is created you can deposit money via credit or debit cards, paypal, online bank transfer and more. The minimum deposit is $10.
When the money is in your account, you can search for Mega Millions and the system will help you get your tickets. You can select your own set of special numbers or use the autofill option and a set of computer generated numbers will be selected for you, just like visiting a retailer.
From there, add those tickets to your cart, checkout and your tickets will be stored in your account. The online option is also helpful in that if you win a smaller prize, the money goes directly into your account and if you win a large prize, the Lottery will contact you to let you know you’ve won big.
For the latest on Michigan Lottery, check out the official Michigan Lottery site, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.
The last players from Michigan to win a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot is the Wolverine FLL lottery club which claimed a $1.05 billion jackpot in March 2021. With their winnings, the group plans to give back to the community.
And while they were lucky winners, it’s smart for players to check their tickets immediately as a winner worth $1 million sold in Warren last year went unclaimed. The money instead went to the state’s School Aid Fund.
