Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs
The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $965 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing, pushing the prize pool closer to the billion-dollar mark once again.
The Growing Jackpot
The last time someone claimed the Mega Millions grand prize was back in early September, when a single winning ticket in Texas hit for $360 million. Since then, the jackpot has rolled over 27 consecutive times as no player has managed to match all five white balls and the golden Mega Ball. If a winner emerges in Friday’s drawing, they can choose between the $965 million annuity option, paid out over 29 years, or a lump-sum cash value of approximately $446 million before taxes.
A Staggering Milestone
This makes the current pot one of the top ten largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history, rivaling recent record-breakers like the $1.58 billion Mega Millions prize claimed in Florida in 2023 and the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California in 2022. According to lottery officials, ticket sales tend to spike dramatically once the prize crosses the half-billion mark, often driving the jackpot even higher in the final 48 hours before the next drawing.
Odds and Where to Play
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain a staggering 1 in 302.6 million, the same as always, no matter how high the prize climbs. Tickets cost $2 each and can be purchased in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players can also add the optional Megaplier feature for an additional $1, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to five times.
Big Winners Still Possible
While no one claimed the top prize on Tuesday, several tickets across the country still won $1 million or more for matching five numbers. Smaller prizes start at $2 and range up to $5 million depending on the play type and multiplier.
A Billion-Dollar Weekend?
If no one wins Friday night, the Mega Millions jackpot will likely soar beyond the $1 billion mark by next week, an amount that tends to trigger nationwide buying frenzies and long lines at convenience stores. For now, players across the U.S. are hoping to defy the odds and secure their piece of nearly a billion dollars in potential winnings. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 11 p.m. ET.
