The Mega Millions jackpot has reached over $1 billion after no one matched all six numbers in Friday's draw. The numbers drawn were 5, 10, 28, 52, 63, and the Mega ball 18. This makes the next estimated jackpot the fourth-largest Mega Millions prize ever offered, according to a press release from the lottery. The winner has the option to receive the money in installments or take a lump-sum payment of $527.9 million.
The previous Mega Millions jackpot was won on April 18, leading to 29 consecutive draws without a winner. The next draw is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1. The lottery offers nine different ways to win a prize in the Mega Millions draw, ranging from $2 to the jackpot. The press release also mentioned that Friday's draw produced several winners, with $1 million and $5 million winners in Pennsylvania and $1 million winners in Arizona, California, and New York.
This massive jackpot follows a $1.08 billion Powerball win earlier in the month, which was the sixth-largest lottery win ever and the third-largest Powerball win. However, the legitimacy of the winner's claim was called into question by the granddaughter of the store owner where the ticket was sold. Sarai Palacios stated that the woman who claimed to have won the jackpot had not actually won and may have lied in order to gain media attention.
It is worth noting that the largest lottery win in history belongs to Edwin Castro, who won $2.04 billion in the Powerball jackpot in November 2022. As of now, the identity of the current Mega Millions jackpot winner remains unknown, as they have not yet come forward.
Overall, the Mega Millions jackpot reaching over $1 billion is a significant event in the world of lotteries. The possibility of winning such a large sum of money has generated excitement and interest among players. However, the recent controversy surrounding a previous lottery win serves as a reminder that claims should be thoroughly investigated to ensure their legitimacy.