Mega Millions whopping $1.55B jackpot: What to know before Tuesday’s drawing
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $1.55 billion — and if won, it would become the largest jackpot in the game’s history.
The jackpot grew after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Friday night – the white balls 11, 30, 45, 52 and 56, plus the gold Mega Ball 20. The estimated jackpot grew to $1.55 billion, with a $757.2 million cash payout.
The jackpot has been rolling since it was last won in New York on April 18, and Tuesday’s drawing will be the 32nd in this current run. If won, it will beat out the game’s record jackpot of $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on Oct. 23, 2018.
“With enthusiastic players across the country, many of whom are newcomers to the game, it is indeed likely that there will be a new record Mega Millions jackpot,” stated lottery officials. “However, we won’t know for sure until we get closer to Tuesday’s drawing; at this level, jackpots are hard to predict with complete accuracy.”
If you’ve never played before, or even if you’re a regular player, here are some key questions answered about playing Mega Millions.
Where can I buy a ticket?
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at any New York Lottery retailer for $2, seven days a week. The deadline for purchasing a ticket is 10 p.m. on draw nights.
Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday, and the New York Lottery urges players to buy tickets early to avoid last-minute lines.
When is the next drawing?
The drawing for the $1.55 billion jackpot prize is Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 11 p.m.
How do I play?
Players pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
How do I win the jackpot?
In order to win the jackpot, players must match all five regular numbers, or white balls, in any order as well as the gold Mega Ball.
There are two Mega Millions jackpot prize payment options: You can receive your prize in 30 annual payments, or receive the prize in a lump sum cash payment. Each annual payment is 5% larger than the previous one.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.
The lump sum cash payout of the $1.55 billion is $757.2 million.
Should I add a Megaplier?
Megaplier is a feature that allows a winner to multiply the original prize amount.
Players can multiply their Mega Millions prizes (not the jackpot prize) by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. The Megaplier number is picked at random before each draw.
A player must choose the Megaplier option when purchasing a Mega Millions ticket. Selecting the Megaplier option costs an additional $1 per game.
What are my odds of winning?
According to Lottery officials, the odds of winning the jackpot is 1 in 302,575,350.
