In the latest Mega Millions draw on Tuesday evening, a lucky individual from New Jersey hit the jackpot by correctly matching all six numbers, clinching a massive $1.13 billion prize.
For the first time this year, the Mega Millions jackpot has been claimed, culminating a series of 31 consecutive draws that began in December 2023. The prize, which is still subject to final calculations based on sales across all participating areas, reached an impressive $1.13 billion, ranking as the fifth-largest payout in the game’s history, with a cash option of $537.5 million.
The Mega Millions jackpot was secured by a fortunate individual in New Jersey who matched all six numbers in the draw on March 26, resulting in a windfall of $1.13 billion.
This significant prize had been accumulating since two winners in California split a $394 million jackpot in December 2023. The identity of the New Jersey winner remains undisclosed. Remarkably, this marks the first Mega Millions jackpot win in the state in nearly four years, with the previous victory recorded in July 2020.
In a statement, Gretchen Corbin, President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, extended congratulations to the New Jersey Lottery for selling the winning ticket for Tuesday’s $1.13 billion draw. She highlighted the celebration of the new jackpot winner and the positive impact of the funds raised for charitable causes throughout this jackpot series.
The latest winning numbers, drawn on Tuesday, March 26, were 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38, with the Mega Ball being 4 and the Megaplier set at 2X.
Beyond the jackpot, additional prizes were won, including a $2 million Match 5 + Megaplier ticket sold in New York through Jackpocket, and $1 million Match 5 prizes distributed across several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio. For a comprehensive list of past winners, the Mega Millions website offers detailed information.
Mega Millions drawings take place in Atlanta every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET, with the next draw scheduled for Friday, March 29.
The Megaplier is an optional feature available in most states, enhancing non-jackpot prizes by two to five times for an additional $1 per play. The Megaplier number is selected from a pool of 15 balls before each Mega Millions draw.
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To participate in Mega Millions, tickets are priced at $2 each. Players have nine ways to win, ranging from the jackpot down to $2 prizes. Selection involves choosing five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25, with the option for random number generation via Easy Pick or Quick Pick. The jackpot is won by matching all six numbers drawn.
The Megaplier can amplify non-grand prize winnings, and is determined prior to the main draw on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The top five Mega Millions jackpots in history are:
- $1.602 billion from a single ticket in Florida in August 2023
- $1.537 billion from a single ticket in South Carolina in October 2018
- $1.35 billion from a single ticket in Maine in January 2023
- $1.34 billion from a single ticket in Illinois in July 2022
- $1.13 billion from a single ticket in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
Where to buy Mega Millions Jackpot ticket?
Mega Millions tickets are available for purchase at various locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and select airport terminals.