Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $1.2 B—Don’t Miss Tonight’s Ticket Deadline

A single ticket sold in Florida hit last night’s $800 million Mega Millions jackpot, matching the numbers 34-48-49-59-70 with Mega Ball 12. The windfall is the 10th-largest in game history and comes with an estimated $344.2 million cash option, before taxes. Lottery officials have yet to reveal the exact retailer, but the win marks the seventh Mega Millions jackpot claimed in the Sunshine State. Two other players also struck it rich last night, matching all five white balls for million-dollar prizes—one ticket in Illinois is worth $5 million thanks to the optional Megaplier, while a New York ticket earns $3 million. Because the top prize was finally captured after rolling since March 17, Friday’s drawing resets to a comparatively modest $50 million ($23.3 million cash). Tickets remain $5 each and come with an automatic Megaplier that can multiply non-jackpot winnings up to 10 times. How to play and improve your odds • Pick five numbers from 1-70 and one Mega Ball from 1-24, or choose Quick Pick for randomly generated numbers. • Add the $1 Megaplier in select jurisdictions to multiply any non-jackpot win. • The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24; snagging the jackpot is 1 in 302.6 million. Where and when to buy Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah abstain. Sales cut-off times vary by state, typically 15 minutes to an hour before the 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday drawings. Tips for new winners 1. Sign the back of the ticket immediately and secure it in a safe place. 2. Consult a financial adviser and attorney before claiming; winners in Florida have up to 180 days. 3. Decide between the lump-sum cash option and the 30-year annuity, keeping federal taxes—and possible state taxes for non-Florida residents—in mind. Still dreaming big? Powerball sits at $663 million for Wednesday’s draw. Whether you chase that prize or try to beat Friday’s fresh Mega Millions pot, play responsibly and remember that the lottery should be entertainment, not a retirement plan.