The Grinch made an appearance this Christmas, as no tickets matched the winning numbers for the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot on Christmas Eve: 11, 14, 38, 45, 46, and a Mega Ball of 3.
Lottery officials announced the next grand prize is estimated at a staggering $1.15 billion, with a cash option of $516.1 million. If won, it would rank as the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. The next drawing is set for Friday night, with all totals listed before taxes.
The Christmas Eve jackpot grew from an estimated $970 million on Monday to $1 billion, or $448.8 million for the cash option, as ticket sales surged during the day and into the holiday.
Had it been claimed, the $1 billion prize would have been the seventh-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won. The largest Mega Millions prize remains the $1.602 billion jackpot won by a Florida player in August 2023.
Two Powerball jackpots still top all: the record-breaking $2.04 billion won in California in November 2022 and the $1.765 billion prize, also in California, in October 2023.
The Mega Millions jackpot has been rolling higher since its last win of $810 million in Texas on September 10. No ticket matched all six numbers in Friday night’s drawing, which featured white balls 2, 20, 51, 56, and 67, along with the gold Mega Ball 19.
Had someone won on Christmas Eve, it would have marked only the second time a Mega Millions jackpot was claimed on that date. The first occurred in 2002, with a $68 million prize in New York that ultimately went unclaimed.
Since the game’s inception in 2002, 13 Mega Millions jackpots have been won in December. However, only three jackpots have been won this year—the fewest in any calendar year in the game’s history. The odds of winning the jackpot remain daunting at 1 in 302,575,350.
Jackpot Payout Options
Winners can choose between a 30-year annuity paying the full jackpot amount or a smaller, one-time cash lump sum. Most winners opt for the lump sum to receive their prize upfront.
Where to Play
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2 per play, and drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. EST.
Be Aware of Lottery Scams
As jackpots grow, so does the risk of scams. The Federal Trade Commission warns players about common lottery scams, where individuals are contacted via phone, email, or letter claiming they’ve won a prize but need to pay fees to claim it.
Mega Millions emphasizes that no representative will ever contact winners by phone, text, or email. The game also reminds players to remain vigilant, especially during high-jackpot periods.
Changes Coming to Mega Millions
Starting in April 2025, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will increase from $2 to $5. This change is expected to lead to larger jackpots and improved odds of winning.
“We are creating a game that both existing players and new ones will love,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “We anticipate more billion-dollar jackpots than ever, creating more billionaires and many more millionaires, while continuing to support the great causes that Mega Millions benefits.”
This marks the second price increase since the game was introduced.
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