Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $1.22 Billion – Winning Numbers for December 27, 2024
Here's a more detailed article based on the Mega Millions drawing held on December 27, 2024:
Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $1.22 Billion – One of the Largest in History
The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions lottery reached a fever pitch on Friday, December 27, 2024, as hopeful players across the country tuned in for the latest drawing. With a jackpot soaring to $1.22 billion, this drawing ranks as the fifth-largest prize in the game's history.
Winning Numbers Revealed
The winning numbers drawn were:
- Main Numbers: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55
- Mega Ball: 6
- Megaplier: 3x
As of now, it remains unclear if any lucky ticket-holder has matched all six numbers to claim the grand prize. In the absence of a jackpot winner, the prize will continue to grow, potentially setting new records in the weeks to come.
Jackpot Growth and Rollovers
The Mega Millions jackpot has been rolling over for more than three months, with the last grand prize claimed on September 10, 2024, in Texas. That jackpot was valued at $810 million. Since then, no player has successfully matched all six numbers, allowing the prize pool to swell to its current record-breaking total.
How Mega Millions Works
Mega Millions drawings take place twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls plus the golden Mega Ball. Even if no one wins the grand prize, secondary prizes of up to $1 million are available for those who match five white balls without the Mega Ball.
Players who secure the jackpot can choose between two payout options:
- Lump-Sum Cash Option – A one-time payout estimated at approximately $596 million before taxes.
- Annuity – The full jackpot amount paid out over 30 years, with an initial payment followed by annual installments that increase by 5% each year.
The Odds and Prizes
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million. While the chances are slim, players across the nation continue to participate, hoping to strike it rich.
For those who don't hit the jackpot, there are still significant cash prizes available:
- Matching 5 numbers (without Mega Ball) – $1 million
- Matching 4 numbers + Mega Ball – $10,000
- Smaller prizes range from $2 to $500 depending on the combination of numbers matched.
Where to Watch and How to Play
Mega Millions results are broadcast live and can also be found on the official lottery website. Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers across the country or through official online platforms in select states.
What’s Next?
If no ticket matches the winning numbers for this draw, the next jackpot will grow even larger, potentially surpassing the $1.5 billion mark – approaching record levels seen in past years.
For those eagerly awaiting the results, keep your tickets handy and stay tuned for updates from official lottery sources. Even if the jackpot slips away, smaller prizes may still await.