Winning Numbers Announced
The Mega Millions drawing on July 12, 2024, revealed the winning numbers as 15, 35, 48, 53, and 68, with the Mega Ball being 8. The Megaplier for this draw was 3x. The jackpot for this draw was a staggering $203 million, with a cash option of $96 million. This draw followed a previous jackpot of $181 million on July 9, which saw no winners for the grand prize, causing the jackpot to roll over and increase.
Big Winners from the July 12 Drawing
In the latest drawing, several players emerged as big winners. Three tickets matched all five numbers but missed the Mega Ball, each winning $1 million. These tickets were sold in California, Ohio, and Washington. The winners have yet to come forward, but they have 180 days to claim their prizes. The odds of matching all five numbers are approximately one in twelve million, making these wins particularly noteworthy.
Previous Drawing Results
The previous drawing on July 9 had winning numbers 21, 26, 54, 60, and 64, with the Mega Ball being 3. The Megaplier was also 3x. Despite the large jackpot, no one matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball, causing the jackpot to roll over to the July 12 drawing. However, three tickets did match five numbers, each winning $1 million. These tickets were sold in California, Ohio, and Washington.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is straightforward. Each ticket costs $2, and players can choose five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a pool of 1 to 25. For an additional $1, players can add the Megaplier, which can increase non-jackpot prizes up to five times. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in over three hundred million, making it a challenging but potentially life-changing game.
Claiming Prizes
Winners have different options for claiming their prizes depending on the amount won. For prizes up to $599, winners can claim their winnings at any authorized retailer. For prizes over $599, winners must submit their winning tickets by mail or in person at their state’s lottery office. In Florida, for example, prizes must be claimed within six months from the date of the drawing. Winners of $250,000 or more can remain anonymous for up to three months unless they waive this right.
Jackpot Growth and Rollovers
The Mega Millions jackpot grows with each drawing that does not produce a grand prize winner. The jackpot for the July 12 drawing increased to over $200 million after no one matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in the July 9 drawing. This pattern of rollovers can lead to massive jackpots, as seen in previous draws. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won was $1.537 billion, claimed by a single ticket in South Carolina in 2018.
Where to Buy Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets can be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and some airport terminals. Additionally, tickets can be bought online through the Jackpocket app in specific states. This app allows players to pick their numbers, place their orders, and collect their winnings all from their phones or computers.
Responsible Gambling
While the excitement of potentially winning a massive jackpot is undeniable, it is essential to play responsibly. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are extremely low, and players should only spend what they can afford to lose. Resources are available for those who may have a gambling problem, including hotlines and support groups.
Next Drawing
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11 p.m. EDT. The jackpot will continue to grow if no one matches all five numbers plus the Mega Ball. Players are encouraged to check their tickets and play responsibly.
Historical Context
As of July 12, 2024, there have been eleven lottery jackpots that reached or surpassed $1 billion. The only time a jackpot surpassed $2 billion was in the Powerball drawing on November 8, 2022, which had a grand prize of $2.04 billion. These massive jackpots capture the public’s imagination and lead to increased ticket sales, further driving up the prize amounts.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions drawing on July 12, 2024, produced several big winners, with three tickets matching five numbers to win $1 million each. The jackpot continues to grow, offering players the chance to win life-changing amounts of money. As always, players are encouraged to play responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the game.
