The Mega Millions jackpot, soaring to an enticing $285 million with a cash option of $134.7 million, had its latest drawing on Friday, January 26, 2024. Despite the heightened excitement, no fortunate player managed to match all six numbers, leaving the jackpot untouched and carrying it forward to the next drawing.
The drawn numbers for January 26 were 14, 31, 34, 50, 61, and the Mega Ball was 13, with a Megaplier of 3X. While the grand prize remained elusive, two tickets sold in New York successfully matched all five numbers, excluding the Mega Ball, earning the holders a substantial $1 million each.
In Mega Millions, the prospect of winning starts even with a single number match, where the Mega Ball alone secures a $2 win. However, matching two numbers without the Mega Ball yields no prize, while adding the Mega Ball to the mix increases the prize to $4.
Next Jackpot and Previous Wins
The Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming Tuesday drawing is estimated to be a staggering $311 million, with a cash option of $147.0 million. As of 2024, no one has claimed the Mega Millions jackpot, with the last recorded wins dating back to 2023. The most notable among them was the $1.35 billion jackpot in Maine on January 13.
Your Mega Millions Playbook: Play, Buy, Win!
While purchasing a Mega Millions ticket, players have the opportunity to select six numbers. The first five are chosen from a range of 1 to 70 for the white balls, while the last number comes from 1 to 25 for the coveted golden Mega Ball. For those who find it challenging to pick their numbers, the option to select Easy Pick or Quick Pick is available, generating random numbers for the ticket. Additionally, players can choose to add a Megaplier for an additional dollar, potentially multiplying non-jackpot winnings.
Mega Millions tickets, costing $2 per play, are available at various outlets such as gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and select airport terminals. In certain U.S. states and territories, players can also order tickets online through the Jackpocket app, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
In conclusion, the Mega Millions jackpot of $285 million remained unclaimed on January 26, with no winner matching all six numbers. As anticipation builds for the $311 million jackpot on Tuesday, players across the nation eagerly await the chance to become the game’s newest millionaire. Stay tuned for updates on Saturday, January 27.
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