The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to a staggering $825 million, just in time to add extra sparkle to the holiday season. With the next drawing set for Friday, one lucky player might step into Christmas as one of the wealthiest lottery winners in history.
Tuesday’s Drawing Comes Up Empty
The $740 million jackpot from Tuesday’s drawing remained unclaimed as no ticket matched all six numbers. This rollover marks another increase in the jackpot, which has been steadily climbing since the last big win on September 10, when someone claimed $810 million.
If the $825 million prize is won on Friday, it will be the largest December payout in Mega Millions history and the seventh-largest jackpot ever recorded in the game.
Cash or Annuity? The Million-Dollar Question
The winner of Friday’s jackpot can choose how to claim their prize:
- Annuity: The full $825 million, paid out over 30 years, with an initial payment followed by 29 annual installments.
- Lump Sum: A one-time cash payout estimated at $382.2 million before taxes.
Historically, most winners opt for the lump sum, prioritizing immediate financial freedom over annual payments.
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December’s Lucky Streak
December has proven to be a winning month for Mega Millions players in the past:
- 13 jackpots have been won in December since the game’s inception in 2002.
- Three jackpots were claimed just after Christmas Day, while 10 winners struck gold earlier in the month.
- Interestingly, no jackpot has ever been won on Christmas Day itself, despite six drawings occurring on December 25 since 2007.
If no one wins Friday’s jackpot, the prize will roll over once more, setting up an even larger potential payout just days before Christmas.
Odds That Might Dim the Holiday Spirit
Despite the dream of a festive windfall, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are steep: 1 in 302,575,350.
While the allure of becoming an instant millionaire draws millions of players, only one ticket needs to match all the numbers and the Mega Ball to claim the prize. Until then, millions of hopefuls will be left empty-handed, as is the nature of the game.
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The Bigger Picture
Mega Millions’ growing jackpots continue to attract widespread attention, with each rollover amplifying the excitement. The $825 million prize could change someone’s life forever, providing the ultimate Christmas miracle.
Whether the jackpot is claimed Friday or rolls over into an even bigger prize for Christmas Eve, one thing is certain: this holiday season, dreams of a life-changing windfall are alive and well.
Will you take a chance on this historic jackpot, or will you watch from the sidelines as the excitement unfolds?
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