A lucky ticket purchased in California has claimed the staggering $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot during Friday night’s draw, marking one of the largest prizes in the game’s history. The winning numbers for the historic draw were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, with a gold Mega Ball of 6. The Megaplier, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings, was 3X.
This colossal prize is the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history, with the cash payout option standing at an impressive $549.7 million. Most winners choose this one-time lump sum over the annuity option, which provides immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments.
Additional Winners Across the Country
While the jackpot took center stage, Friday’s draw also brought fortune to four other players. Two winners in California and one each in Arizona, Missouri, and Texas matched all five white balls, each earning a $1 million prize.
A Record-Breaking Year for Lotteries
The odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 302,575,350.
The last Mega Millions jackpot was won on September 10, 2023, when a Texas player secured an $810 million prize. However, the all-time record for the game remains the $1.602 billion jackpot claimed in Florida in August 2023. That prize is the third-largest single-ticket lottery win in the world, trailing only two Powerball jackpots worth $2.04 billion and $1.765 billion, both won in California.
What’s Next for Mega Millions?
The excitement continues as the next Mega Millions draw is scheduled for Tuesday, with an estimated $20 million jackpot and a cash option of $9 million. Tickets can be purchased in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands until 9:45 p.m. on draw days.
A Game of Astronomical Odds
The odds of winning the Mega Millions grand prize stand at a daunting 1 in 302,575,350. Despite the long odds, the game remains a favorite across the United States, drawing millions of hopeful players each week.
Stay tuned for more updates and join the race for the next life-changing jackpot. As history has shown, all it takes is one lucky ticket to turn dreams into reality.
