mega millions jackpot - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Mega Millions jackpot is a multi-state lottery game in the United States. It is known for its large jackpots and is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- 2. The jackpot starts at $40 million and increases by a minimum of $5 million for each drawing where the jackpot is not won. This means that the jackpot can quickly grow to hundreds of millions of dollars.
- 3. To play Mega Millions, players must choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Tickets cost $2 per play.
- 4. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. However, there are nine different ways to win a prize in the game, with prizes ranging from $2 to the jackpot.
- 5. Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. The drawings are broadcast live on television and also available online.
- 6. If a player wins the Mega Millions jackpot, they have the option of receiving their prize as a lump-sum cash payment or as an annuity paid out over 30 years.
- 7. Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot must claim their prize within a certain timeframe, which varies by state. If the prize is not claimed within the specified timeframe, it may be forfeited.
- 8. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won was $1.537 billion, which was won by a single ticket holder in South Carolina in October 2018.
- 9. In addition to the jackpot, Mega Millions also offers a Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play. The Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times.
- 10. Proceeds from Mega Millions ticket sales go towards funding various state programs, including education, public safety, and environmental initiatives.