Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Since its inception in 1996, it has awarded players with life-changing sums of money. Over the years, the jackpots have grown significantly, reaching unprecedented heights. In this article, we will explore the 5 largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won, providing detailed insights into each record-breaking prize.
1. $1.602 Billion – August 8, 2023
On August 8, 2023, Mega Millions reached a new pinnacle with a jackpot of $1.602 billion. This colossal prize was won by a single ticket purchased in Neptune Beach, Florida. The winning numbers were 13, 29, 41, 52, 58, and the Mega Ball was 12.
The winner chose the cash option, receiving approximately $794.2 million before taxes. This jackpot not only set a new record for Mega Millions but also became the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the United States.
2. $1.537 Billion – October 23, 2018
The second-largest Mega Millions jackpot was won on October 23, 2018, when a single ticket sold in South Carolina matched all six numbers drawn. The winning numbers were 5, 28, 62, 65, 70, and the Mega Ball was 5.
The winner opted for the lump sum cash option, receiving approximately $878 million before taxes. Under South Carolina law, the winner was allowed to remain anonymous, and their identity has not been publicly disclosed.
3. $1.348 Billion – January 13, 2023
On January 13, 2023, Mega Millions awarded a jackpot of $1.348 billion, making it the third-largest in the game’s history. The sole winning ticket was purchased in Maine, marking the state’s first-ever Mega Millions jackpot win.
The winning numbers were 1, 5, 17, 39, 62, and the Mega Ball was 8. The winner chose the cash option, receiving approximately $723.5 million before taxes.
4. $1.337 Billion – July 29, 2022
The fourth-largest Mega Millions jackpot was won on July 29, 2022, when a single ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers. The winning numbers were 7, 29, 60, 63, 66, and the Mega Ball was 15.
The winner opted for the lump sum cash option, receiving approximately $780.5 million before taxes. This win marked Illinois’ first Mega Millions jackpot since the game’s inception in 2002.
5. $1.22 Billion – December 27, 2024
On December 27, 2024, Mega Millions awarded a jackpot of $1.22 billion, making it the fifth-largest in the game’s history. The winning ticket was sold in California, and the numbers drawn were 55, 7, 3, 37, 49, with the Mega Ball being 6.
The winner chose the cash option, receiving approximately $549.7 million before taxes.
Factors Contributing to Larger Jackpots
Several factors have contributed to the growth of Mega Millions jackpots over the years:
Increased Ticket Prices: In 2017, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket was raised from $1 to $2. This change resulted in larger jackpots due to increased ticket sales and a faster-growing prize pool.
Expanded Number Pool: In 2017, the game matrix was modified to include numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls (up from 1 to 75) and 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball (up from 1 to 15). This change reduced the odds of winning the jackpot, leading to larger prize amounts.
Increased Participation: As more states joined the Mega Millions consortium, the number of tickets sold increased, contributing to the growth of the jackpot.
Conclusion
The evolution of Mega Millions jackpots reflects changes in game structure, ticket pricing, and widespread participation. These record-breaking prizes have transformed the lives of the winners, offering them unprecedented financial opportunities. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future jackpots compare to these monumental sums.
