The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an incredible $980 million, making it one of the largest in history. With such massive prizes on the line, many wonder just how big these jackpots can get and what the chances are of winning. In this guide, we'll explore the current jackpot size, recent winners, and the odds of hitting the jackpot, helping you understand what this means for players and why these huge prizes attract so much attention.
-
How much is the current Mega Millions jackpot?
As of now, the Mega Millions jackpot stands at $980 million, making it one of the biggest in the game's 29-year history. The jackpot reached this record after a long streak of 39 draws without a winner, which ended with a lucky player in Georgia claiming the prize.
-
Who won the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot?
A player from Georgia won the $980 million jackpot, choosing a cash payout of $155.6 million. This win ended a nearly four-decade drought for such a large prize and marked the ninth largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.
-
What are the chances of winning Mega Millions?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290 million. These extremely slim chances highlight how rare it is to hit the jackpot, even with the large prizes on offer.
-
What does a jackpot of this size mean for players?
A jackpot of this size can be life-changing for the winner, offering a lump sum of $155.6 million in cash. For players, it also increases excitement and ticket sales, as people dream of hitting the big prize. However, it's important to remember the very low odds of winning.
-
Why has the Mega Millions jackpot grown so large recently?
The jackpot grew to this size partly because of a record 39 consecutive draws without a winner, which increased ticket sales and the prize pool. Additionally, the game was redesigned in April to offer larger prizes and better odds, making big jackpots more common.
-
How does the Mega Millions jackpot compare to other lotteries?
The $980 million jackpot is among the largest in Mega Millions history and ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot overall. It is surpassed only by a few other massive lotteries, such as the $1.2 billion jackpot in December 2024, making it a truly historic prize.