ATLANTA (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot has grown to $944 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in Friday night’s drawing, lottery officials announced Saturday.
The winning numbers drawn Friday were 2, 20, 51, 56, 57 and gold Mega Ball 19. With no grand prize winner, the jackpot for Tuesday’s Christmas Eve drawing becomes the seventh-largest in the game’s history.
Winners can choose between receiving the full amount in annual payments or a one-time cash payment estimated at $429 million before taxes.
The jackpot has been growing since September 10, when a Texas player claimed an $810 million prize. August 2023 saw the largest Mega Millions prize ever won at $1.6 billion.
“This is the first time we’ve had a jackpot of this size available on Christmas Eve,” said [Lottery Official Name], Mega Millions director. “It could make for quite a holiday celebration for the lucky winner.”
Players face steep odds of 1 in 302,575,350 to match all six numbers required to win the grand prize. Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The growing jackpot has sparked increased ticket sales across participating jurisdictions, with many players hoping to receive the ultimate Christmas gift. However, lottery officials remind players to gamble responsibly and within their means.
While no one hit the jackpot Friday night, several tickets won significant prizes by matching five numbers.
The next drawing will be held Tuesday, December 24, at 11 p.m. Eastern time.
