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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi, I’m Oliver Smith, a professional game reviewer and tester with extensive experience working directly with leading gaming providers. Over the years, I have collaborated with major game developers and operators such as Playtech, Pragmatic etc., conducting thorough testing and analysis of slot games to ensure quality and fairness.
Currently, I serve as the Chief Slot Reviewer at Casitsu, where I lead content creation and provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest slot releases. Alongside Casitsu, I contribute my expert insights to several other respected gaming platforms, helping players understand game mechanics, RTP, volatility, and bonus features.
My work has also been featured in prominent media outlets, including Financial Post, Digital Journal, and Benzinga, where I share my analysis on gaming trends, industry news, and emerging technologies shaping the future of online slots and casino gaming.
I strive to deliver honest, detailed, and balanced critiques that empower players to make informed decisions and enjoy the best gaming experiences possible.