The Mega Millions lottery, one of the largest in the United States, reached an estimated prize of R$5.3 billion (US$965 million) for this Friday’s draw, after Tuesday’s draw registered no winners. The value, equivalent to R$2.4 billion in cash, is the eighth largest since the game began in 2002. The numbers drawn on Tuesday were 10, 13, 40, 42, 46 and Mega Ball 1, marking the 39th round without a big winner. Three bets won the second prize, with values between R$16.5 million and R$27.5 million.
Although no one won the jackpot, the absence of winners raised expectations for the next draw. The lottery is held in 45 US states, as well as Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. The chances of winning the main prize are 1 in 290.5 million, while the probability of winning any prize is 1 in 23. The rules of the game underwent changes in April, with the ticket price increasing to R$27.50, but with slightly better chances of winning.
- Draw Factors: Each ticket includes multipliers from 2x to 10x, which amplify secondary prizes.
- Local impact: In the US, half of the proceeds from each ticket remain in the sales state, financing projects such as education.
- History: Since 2002, Mega Millions has recorded seven prizes over R$5.5 billion.
New record in sight
The current jackpot of R$5.3 billion is close to surpassing the historic mark of R$8.8 billion, recorded in 2023, when a winneranonymous person from Florida won the biggest lottery prize. Mega Millions has attracted bettors with billions of dollars, such as the December draw, which awarded R$7 billion. Friday’s draw will be closely watched as the absence of winners for 39 consecutive rounds intensifies public attention.
Rules and prizes
Mega Millions allows prizes to be claimed at state lottery offices, with rules that vary by state. Some allow winners anonymity, while others require public identification. The amounts are taxed federally and at the state level, reducing the final amount. The change in ticket price, which doubled in April, brought automatic multipliers, increasing secondary prizes. In the USA, the lottery funds educational programs, such as in Georgia, where it has raised R$164 billion for schools since its creation.
Expectations for Friday
This Friday’s draw is awaited by millions of bettors, with ticket sales growing as the prize approaches R$5.5 billion. The lottery maintains a multiplier system that increases smaller prizes, attracting even those who don’t hit the jackpot. The prolonged absence of winners reinforces the popularity of Mega Millions, which remains the most played lottery in the US. The proThe next draw could go down in history if it surpasses the 2023 record.
Funding and local impact
In Georgia, the lottery has already allocated R$164 billion to education, benefiting everything from early childhood education to universities. Other states follow similar models, with part of the revenue allocated to social projects.
Numbers and probabilities
With odds of 1 in 290.5 million for the jackpot, Mega Millions requires matching six numbers, including the Mega Ball. The probability of smaller prizes, such as matching five numbers, is greater, which keeps players interested.
Grand Prize History
The biggest Mega Millions prize, R$8.8 billion, was paid in 2023 to a bettor from Florida, who chose to remain anonymous. In December, another ticket took R$7 billion, reinforcing the lottery’s ability to generate record amounts. Since 2002, only seven draws have exceeded R$5.5 billion, and the current jackpot is close to that mark. This Friday’s draw could reset the lottery limits if the amount continues to accumulate.
