The Mega Millions jackpot is on a thrilling ascent, with the upcoming draw on Tuesday, August 8, poised to potentially shatter the game’s record. The current record stands at a staggering $1.537 billion, which was claimed in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
After no ticket matched all six numbers in the Friday night draw, the estimated jackpot has soared to an eye-watering $1.55 billion ($757.2 million cash).
The game has seen a surge in participation from across the country, with many newcomers joining the ranks of hopeful players. This influx of enthusiasm makes it increasingly likely that we could see a new record Mega Millions jackpot.
Gretchen Corbin, the Georgia Lottery President and CEO, who also serves as the lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, shared her excitement about the escalating jackpot. “It’s exciting to watch Mega Millions grow,” she said, expressing gratitude to players and retailers whose support contributes to numerous good causes funded by participating lotteries.
This jackpot run has not only generated significant revenues for good causes and lottery retailers, but it has also resulted in a windfall for players, with tens of millions of winning tickets distributed. Since the last jackpot was won in New York on April 18, over 36.6 million winning tickets have been issued at all non-jackpot prize levels, ranging from $2 up to $5 million.
Mega Millions continues to make history as the only lottery game that has awarded four jackpots exceeding $1 billion – one each in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. With the possibility of another record-breaking prize soon to be added to the tally, anticipation is building. Tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta.
Half of the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket sold remain in the state of purchase, supporting designated good causes and retailer commissions.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
