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Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $1 Billion
Wednesday December 25th 2024Mega Millions has become ‘Mega Billions’ once again after the jackpot reached 10 figures in the latest draw. It will now go up to $1.15 billion for the next draw.
It is the seventh time in the lottery’s history that the jackpot has hit $1 billion and it sets up the opportunity for someone to start 2025 as one of the biggest winners of all time.
Nobody was able to grab the top prize in time for Christmas, extending a long wait for the next winner that has been going on since September 10th. The jackpot climbed from $862 million in the previous draw on December 20 to a round $1 billion on Christmas Eve.
In fact, there have only been three jackpot wins in the whole of 2024. The first came in March and was worth $1.13 billion. It went to a player from New Jersey, who has finally claimed their prize anonymously this week after waiting for nine months.
The second winner of the year was a ticket holder from Illinois who landed $560 million in June, while the September jackpot – of $800 million – was claimed through the Sol Living Trust in Texas.
Could A New Record Be Set?
The current jackpot remains some way short of the record, which stands at $1.602 billion and was won back in August 2023 by a Floridian ticket holder. They claimed it via the Saltines Holdings, LLC and took the cash option of $794.2 million.
It might not take long to go beyond $1.6 billion, though, as the rate of ticket sales accelerates rapidly when the jackpot reaches this level. This does also mean that more of the possible number combinations will be played, making it more likely that there will be a winner.
Either way, it promises to be a thrilling couple of weeks. Make sure you take part while the jackpot is high to give yourself a chance to become the game’s next billionaire.
You can view the latest winning numbers as soon as draws have taken place every Tuesday and Friday night.
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