The jackpot reached an all-time high as no ticket matched all six numbers for months. The latest Mega Millions jackpot, worth $810 million, was won in Texas more than three months ago.
If anyone were to win this time, it would be only the second Mega Millions jackpot ever won on Christmas Eve: the first was a $68 million prize won in New York in 2002 that went unclaimed.
Fewest wins in a decade
This year has been amazing for Mega Millions, but not in the way most players expect.The jackpot has only been won three times in 2024, making it the lowest number of wins in a single year since the game began in 2002. The odds of winning remain daunting, at 1 in 302,575,350, but that hasn't stopped all the hopeful participants. in the world. the land of dreams in a big way. If won, the current jackpot would be the seventh largest in Mega Millions history.
The record jackpot of $1.602 billion was won in Florida during the August 8, 2023 drawing.
National madness
Mega Millions tickets, available in 45 U.S. states as well as Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, cost $2 per game. Drawings take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11pm EST.
With the excitement of the holidays and the promise of nearly a billion dollars, retailers have seen a surge in ticket sales, amplifying lottery fever nationwide.
Beware of scams
The allure of a huge jackpot often attracts not only hopeful players but also scammers.
The Federal Trade Commission warns players to be wary of lottery scams that typically involve fraudulent calls, emails or letters claiming the recipient has won a prize. These scams often require payment to claim winnings.
Mega Millions officials stress that no legitimate representatives of the game will contact players directly about winning.
They advise players to verify their tickets independently and be wary of unsolicited communications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of Mega Million lottery tickets?
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Mega Millions, with ticket prices set to rise from $2 to $5 per game starting in April 2025.
What happens on Christmas Eve?
Traditionally, Christmas Eve has profound meaning for Christians, who gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, it has also become a family holiday beloved by many non-Christians, characterized by the exchange of gifts, festive meals, and lights and decorations lively.
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