Could Today Be Your Lucky Day? Mega Millions Jackpot Updated
If you’ve been dreaming about striking it rich, today might just be your day. The latest Mega Millions lottery jackpot has skyrocketed to an estimated $70 million, with a cash payout option of $31.8 million for Tuesday night’s drawing. This announcement comes directly from the Mega Millions official website.
The Jackpot History
The most recent jackpot was won on April 18, with a lucky ticket holder in Ohio claiming a staggering $112 million. With no jackpot winner since then, the amount has swelled to its current impressive height. Meanwhile, the Powerball is also in the mix, currently standing at $30 million and offering a cash option of $13.9 million.
Winning Numbers for April 29, 2025
The winning numbers for the Mega Millions drawing held on April 29, 2025, are:
16 – 33 – 40 – 51 – 57 and Megaball 10
Exciting Changes to Mega Millions Rules
To spice things up, Mega Millions has announced several rule changes that could affect how you play:
- **Ticket price**: The cost of a ticket has increased from $2 to $5 as of the April 8 drawing.
- **Multiplier addition**: An optional multiplier is now available for an additional $1 per ticket. This multiplier can range from 2X up to 10X, randomly assigned at purchase.
- **Prize enhancements**: The payout for matching five white balls now ranges between $2 million to $10 million with the multiplier included.
- **Minimum and maximum thresholds**: The minimum prize now stands at $10, while the maximum for non-jackpot payouts is $10 million.
- **Guaranteed jackpot**: When a jackpot is won, the Mega Millions will begin at a new baseline of $50 million instead of the traditional $20 million.
- **Improved odds**: The number of Mega Balls has altered from 25 to 24, effectively improving the odds from 1-in-302,575,350 to 1-in-290,472,336. Furthermore, the odds of winning any prize have improved to 1-in-23 from 1-in-24.
Revamped Prize Payout Structure
In addition to its new rules, the Mega Millions has also updated its prize payout structure:
- Jackpot: Remains unchanged.
- Five white balls: Increases from $1 million to a minimum of $2 million, with a maximum of $10 million.
- Four white balls plus Mega Ball: Prize rises from $10,000 to a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
- Four white balls: Increases from $500 to a minimum of $1,000, reaching a maximum of $5,000.
- Three white balls plus Mega Ball: Increases from $200 to a minimum of $400 and maximum of $2,000.
- Three white balls: Price increases from $10 to a minimum of $20 and maximum of $100.
- Two white balls plus Mega Ball: Prize lifts from $10 to a minimum of $20 and maximum of $100.
- One white ball plus Mega Ball: Increases from $4 to a minimum of $14 and maximum of $70.
- Mega Ball: Ticket payout rises from $2 to a minimum of $10 with a maximum of $50.
Upcoming Drawings
The Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare your tickets!
How to Play Mega Millions
With the new changes, playing Mega Millions is even more exciting. The cost per ticket now stands at $5, and every ticket includes a multiplier that can boost your potential winnings by up to 10 times (not applicable for jackpots). Players need to select five numbers ranging from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. Alternatively, you can opt for a Quick Pick, allowing the computer to randomly select your numbers. Importantly, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or a resident of a specific state to purchase a ticket.
The Odds of Winning
The odds of snagging the Mega Millions jackpot are currently 1 in 290,472,336—making it a rare but thrilling endeavor. Interestingly, the probability of winning smaller prizes improves significantly with the current changes.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets
Lottery tickets can be purchased at a variety of retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarket chains. Certain airport terminals may also have ticket vendors. For a more modern approach, you can buy tickets online through services like Jackpocket, which is the official digital lottery courier for USA TODAY Network. This option is available in multiple states, including Arizona, Arkansas, New Jersey, and New York, among others. The Jackpocket app lets users select games, numbers, and even track their tickets conveniently via phone or computer.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
Deadline for ticket purchases varies by state and can range anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour before an actual drawing. For third-party lottery applications like Jackpocket, you might need to make your purchase even earlier. For instance, in New Jersey, the Jackpocket deadline is set at 9:15 p.m. ET for the 11 p.m. drawing.
Lottery Scams: Stay Aware
While the idea of winning a lottery jackpot is captivating, it’s critical to be vigilant. Scammers frequently exploit the allure of lottery winnings to dupe unsuspecting victims. Always verify any communication claiming you’ve won a lottery and consult official lottery channels.
Mega Millions Availability
The Mega Millions game can be played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states where Mega Millions is not available are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Historical Mega Millions Jackpots
Over the years, the Mega Millions has seen some jaw-dropping jackpots. Here are the top 10 highest Mega Millions jackpots:
- $1.602 billion, August 8, 2023: Won in Florida
- $1.537 billion, October 23, 2018: Won in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion, January 13, 2023: Won in Maine
- $1.337 billion, July 29, 2022: Won in Illinois
- $1.269 billion, December 27, 2024: Won in California
- $1.128 billion, March 26, 2024: Won in New Jersey
- $1.05 billion, January 22, 2021: Won in Michigan
- $810 million, September 10, 2024: Won in Texas
- $656 million, March 30, 2012: Split among winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
- $648 million, December 17, 2013: Shared by winners in California and Georgia
Largest U.S. Lottery Jackpots Ever
For perspective on the scale of these lottery games, let’s take a look at the largest jackpots ever won between Powerball and Mega Millions:
- $2.04 billion, Powerball, November 7, 2022: Won in California
- $1.765 billion, Powerball, October 11, 2023: Won in California
- $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, August 8, 2023: Won in Florida
- $1.586 billion, Powerball, January 13, 2016: Distributed among winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee
- $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, October 23, 2018: Won in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, January 13, 2022: Won in Maine
- $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022: Won in Illinois
- $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 6, 2024: Won in Oregon
- $1.269 billion, Mega Millions, December 27, 2024: Won in California
- $1.128 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, 2024: Won in New Jersey
- $1.08 billion, Powerball, July 19, 2023: Won in California
- $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, January 22, 2021: Won in Michigan
- $842.4 million, Powerball, January 1, 2024: Won in Michigan
- $810 million, Mega Millions, September 10, 2024: Won in Texas
- $768.4 million, Powerball, March 27, 2019: Won in Wisconsin
- $758.7 million, Powerball, August 23, 2017: Won in Massachusetts
- $754.6 million, Powerball, February 6, 2023: Won in Washington
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continues to captivate millions across the nation. If you’re feeling lucky, don’t miss your chance to participate in these thrilling lotteries. Remember to play responsibly and check your state regulations for specific details on playing and claiming prizes.
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