This is only the seventh time in the history of this lottery that the jackpot has exceeded $1 billion. The potential winner will have the opportunity to receive $1.15 billion in annual payments spread over 30 years, or to receive a one-time payment of $516.1 million into their bank account. The first payment method “helps protect the lifestyle and purchasing power of winners in times of inflation”, specifies the lottery on its site.
10 Airbus or 785 million baguettes
It's hard to imagine what $1.1 billion represents. The Parisian has done the calculation. The winner could treat themselves to either 10 Airbus A320 neo, 13.5 tonnes of gold or even 785 million classic baguettes. $1.1 billion represents 64,269 years of minimum wage.
To play Mega Millions – a lottery quite similar to EuroMillions in Europe – Americans must purchase a $2 ticket and choose six numbers: the first five must be between 1 and 70 and the sixth number must be between 1 and 25 to find the “Gold Mega Ball”. The probability of winning is one chance in 302 million compared to one chance in 139 million in the European lottery.
Currently, a ticket costs $2 but the company has announced that the price will more than double in April 2025 as it promises bigger prizes in return. Each ticket will cost $5.
And for the Belgians?
The amount at stake is a dream. Could a Belgian hope to win it? According to the rules of the game, it is entirely possible for a non-American to hit the jackpot. However, Mega Millions rules state that tickets must be purchased “from a lottery retailer in the United States”, and specify that “Mega Millions tickets are not sold outside the United States”.
The regulations are clear: “In all cases, you must be physically present within their borders at the time of the online purchase.” An opportunity to seize if you are present on American territory!
