Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $100 Million for Tuesday’s Holiday Drawing

No one won the Mega Millions jackpot on Friday night. The prize has rolled over once again. It now climbs to an estimated $100 million.

The next drawing is set for Tuesday, December 23. Players across the country have a new chance at a life-changing sum just before the holidays.

Friday’s Numbers Leave Top Prize Unclaimed

The Friday, December 19 drawing did not produce a jackpot winner. The winning numbers were 1, 11, 27, 39, and 59. The Mega Ball was 18.

According to USA Today, the $90 million prize went unclaimed. Many smaller prizes were won, but the top tier rolled over. This continues a streak without a grand prize winner.

The cash value for Tuesday’s new $100 million jackpot is $45.5 million. This is the lump-sum payment option before taxes. Winners can also choose the full amount paid over 29 years.

How to Play and What’s at Stake

Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. You pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. A ticket costs $2 per play.

The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 23.08. The odds of hitting the jackpot are much longer at 1 in 290,472,336. Despite the odds, the game remains hugely popular.

Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are sold in 45 states plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Prize Breakdown and Winner Considerations

Lottery winners must make a big choice. They can take the annuity or the cash lump sum. The annuity provides the full advertised amount over time.

The cash option is always a smaller, upfront payment. For this $100 million prize, the cash is $45.5 million. Significant federal and state taxes will be withheld from either choice.

Winners should seek financial and legal advice immediately. Claim periods vary by state where the ticket was purchased. This can range from 90 days to one year.

Dropping this nugget your way

What were the winning Mega Millions numbers for December 19?

The winning numbers for the Friday, December 19 drawing were 1, 11, 27, 39, 59, and the Mega Ball was 18. No ticket matched all six numbers to win the jackpot that night.

What is the cash value of the $100 million Mega Millions jackpot?

The estimated cash lump-sum value for the $100 million jackpot is $45.5 million. This is the amount a winner would receive before taxes if they choose the immediate cash payment.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next drawing is on Tuesday, December 23, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are sold until draw time in most participating jurisdictions.

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are much better, at 1 in 24.

Where can I buy Mega Millions tickets?

Tickets are sold at authorized lottery retailers in 45 participating states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You cannot buy tickets online from the official Multi-State Lottery Association.

How long do I have to claim a Mega Millions prize?

The deadline to claim a prize depends on the state where you bought the ticket. Claim periods typically range from 90 days to one year from the drawing date.

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The chase for the massive Mega Millions jackpot continues this holiday week. All eyes turn to Tuesday night’s drawing for a $100 million prize. Will this be the lucky ticket that changes a life forever