Mega Millions lottery drawing time and everything to know as jackpot hits $1.58bn – latest

The winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot drawing have been revealed.

The prize is estimated to be $1.58bn – a record high for the lottery that counts among the largest-ever US drawings in lottery history.

The winning numbers announced today are: 13 - 19 - 20 - 32- 33 – and mega ball 14.

The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.58bn after no tickets matched all six winning numbers from Friday’s drawing.

To win the jackpot, a player’s ticket must match all six winning numbers.

The chances of this happening are exceptionally rare, however, as the odds of finding oneself with a ticket that matches all six numbers are one in 302.6 million.

As for how much money the winner of Tuesday night’s drawing would actually receive, the $1.58bn payout would go to a winner who opts for an annuity, doled out over 30 years.

But winning individuals usually prefer a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot would be an estimated $783.3m. The money would then be subject to federal taxes, while many states also tax lottery winnings.

Key Points

• When is the lottery drawing and how can you watch it?

• What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

• How do you play the Mega Millions and can you win prizes other than jackpot?

Winning ticket sold in Neptune Beach supermarket

12:47 , Joe Sommerlad

According to News4JAX, last night’s winning ticket was sold in a Publix supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida.

The winner now has 180 days to claim their money in person at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee, according to the rules.

The $1.58bn prize is the largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, narrowly beating out the previous high of $1.537bn sold in South Carolina in 2018.

It is still some way short of the £2.04bn Powerball bonanza won by Edwin Castro of California last November.

Mega Millions last announced a jackpot winner on 18 April, when a $20m ticket was sold to one lucky individual in Syracuse, New York.

Mega Millions announces winner of massive $1.58bn lottery prize

08:09 , Anuj Pant

Mega Millions has announced the winner of a massive jackpot that had accumulated to a $1.58bn amount after no tickets matched all six winning numbers from Friday’s drawing.

The name of the player who matched all the six winning numbers has not been announced yet, but the website of the lottery has declared that an individual from Florida has won the massive jackpot.

The winner will now be entitled to two options to receive the prize.

If the winner chooses the lump sum payment option, they will be entitled to a cash payment of $783.3m. If the winner chooses an annual payout, the money will be received by them over 30 years.

Winning individuals usually prefer a lump sum option. The money will then be subject to federal taxes, while many states also tax lottery winnings.

Former lottery winner reveals what doesn’t change after you win millions

07:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

According to Timothy Schultz, a podcast host and YouTuber from Iowa who won a $29m Powerball jackpot in 1999 and who spoke to Fox News in November, there is no denying that winning the lottery is “one of the most potentially life-altering things that can happen”.

“One minute you have one life,” and the next “your world is turned on its head,” he said.

However, according to Schultz, who uses his podcast to interview other lottery winners, while the “euphoria is real,” it eventually “subsides,” at which point he said you realise “money doesn’t change who you are as a person”.

“If you were unhappy before, you might be unhappy after,” he claimed. “There are some very wealthy people in the world who are extremely unhappy. Money can be positive, but it doesn’t necessarily fix all problems.”

Read the full story here:

Former lottery winner reveals what doesn’t change after you win millions

‘Entertaining to see the Mega Millions jackpot roll to what looks like an all-time game record'

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

“It’s entertaining for our players, and all of us, to see the Mega Millions jackpot roll to what looks like an all-time game record,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium.

“As jackpot fever continues to sweep the nation, we remind everyone to play responsibly. We also want to thank our players and retailers for their support, which helps us fund good causes in every Mega Millions jurisdiction.”

What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

If a lucky individual wins Tuesday’s jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing, they could walk away with a cash option of $783.3m.

Experts agree that there are a few things each lottery winner should consider before making any decisions at all.

Read the full story here:

What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

Tuesday's Mega Millions now at $1.55bn, the 3rd-largest in US lottery history

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

On Tuesday night, eager lottery participants will once again vie for an enormous Mega Millions prize, positioning it as the third-largest jackpot in the annals of US lottery history.

With an estimated value of $1.55bn, this substantial reward has been steadily amassing over the course of several months due to an unbroken sequence of 31 draws devoid of a jackpot claimant.

The most recent instance of someone securing the game’s highest accolade dates back to 18 April, reports said.

Each draw that concludes without a victor propels the prize ever nearer to the remarkable $2.04bn benchmark set by a Powerball jackpot winner in California last year.

When are Mega Millions drawings held?

05:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET.

Five white balls are drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 70; one gold Mega Ball is drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 25, according to the Mega Millions website. “You win if the numbers on one row of your ticket match the numbers of the balls drawn on that date.”

There are nine ways to win a prize, from $2 to the jackpot. If no one wins the jackpot, the money is added to the jackpot for the next drawing. Overall chances of winning a prize are 1 in 24.

Should you opt for lump sum or 30-year payout?

04:50 , Chelsea Ritschel

Ahead of Tuesday night’s drawing, the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.58bn, with a cash option of $783.3m.

According to Mega Millions, annuity recipients can expect an initial payout, followed by 29 years of annual payments, which increase five per cent every year. Alternatively, those who choose the lump sum receive a one-time amount.

But, for those lucky players who win the lottery, which option is better?

According to Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago-based lawyer who has represented several lottery winners and who spoke to CNBC, 95 per cent of winners choose the lump-sum option. However, he described the choice as a “big mistake,” as he claimed that “the curse of the lottery is real” and that individuals who receive the money all at once are more likely to fall victim to the three “big drains”: bad investments, relatives who ask for money and overspending.

Latest winning numbers announced for $1.58bn jackpot prize

04:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot drawing have been announced.

The prize is estimated to be $1.58bn – a record high for the lottery and that count among the largest-ever US drawings.

The winning numbers announced today are: 13 - 19 - 20 - 32- 33 – and mega ball 14.

The drawing tops Mega Millions’ previous high of $1.537bn, according to the lottery. A single ticket sold in South Carolina had won that prize.

‘It’s exciting to watch Mega Millions grow’

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

“It’s exciting to watch Mega Millions grow,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, in a statement.

She added, “As the jackpot climbs ever higher, we thank our players and retailers for their support, which benefits the many good causes funded by our participating lotteries.”

The cash payout option is estimated at $783.3m, the lottery said, adding that “at this level, jackpots are hard to predict with complete accuracy.”

Mega Millions only lottery to have awarded four jackpots exceeding $1bn

04:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Mega Millions holds the distinction of being the sole lottery game to have awarded four jackpots exceeding $1 billion.

The all-time record for the largest lottery jackpot was a $2.04bn Powerball prize won last year in California.

Likelihood of winning jackpot stands at 1 in 302,575,350

03:43 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The last four Mega Millions jackpots of $1bn each were claimed in 2018, 2021, 2022 and January 2023.

Mega Millions is available in 45 states, as well as in Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. A single-play ticket costs $2.

To secure the jackpot, players are required to match all five numbers along with the Mega Ball number.

The likelihood of winning the jackpot stands at 1 in 302,575,350.

02:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

Ahead of Tuesday night’s drawing, eager individuals are sharing their hopes and dreams for a winning ticket.

“The dream is still alive. Mega Millions is at $1.58bn. Yep, gonna be a billionaire in the morning. Just like the last three drawings where I was gonna be a billionaire,” one hopeful player tweeted.

Another individual wrote: “Oh my gosh, you guys, I almost forgot! Tonight is when I win the Mega Millions!!!”

Former lottery winner reveals what players should know

01:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

Whether it’s $1bn or $1.58bn, winning the lottery can mean a life-changing amount of money. However, a previous lottery winner has revealed that there are some things that do not change when you win millions of dollars.

Former lottery winner reveals what doesn’t change after you win millions

When is the next Mega Millions drawing and how can you watch it?

Wednesday 9 August 2023 00:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The next drawing for the Mega Millions lottery will take place on Tuesday 8 August at 11pm ET.

Players can tune in to watch the results on TV or online. The results are typically broadcast live on multiple TV channels, including ABC, CBS, and NBC.

Additionally, players can visit the official Mega Millions website, where drawings are live-streamed every Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET.

Drawings are also streamed live on Mega Millions’ YouTube channel, which can be found here.

Everything lottery winners need to know

Tuesday 8 August 2023 23:30 , Chelsea Ritschel

If you find yourself with a winning lottery ticket, there are a few important things to know, according to experts.

From whether you should sign your winning ticket to who you should tell, this is what players should consider before they make any decisions.

What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

Should you opt for lump sum or 30-year payout?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 23:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

Ahead of Tuesday night’s drawing, the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.58bn, with a cash option of $783.3m.

According to Mega Millions, annuity recipients can expect an initial payout, followed by 29 years of annual payments, which increase five per cent every year. Alternatively, those who choose the lump sum receive a one-time amount.

But, for those lucky players who win the lottery, which option is better?

According to Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago-based lawyer who has represented several lottery winners and who spoke to CNBC, 95 per cent of winners choose the lump-sum option. However, he described the choice as a “big mistake,” as he claimed that “the curse of the lottery is real” and that individuals who receive the money all at once are more likely to fall victim to the three “big drains”: bad investments, relatives who ask for money and overspending.

Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 22:30 , Chelsea Ritschel

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased from lottery retailers/agents in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands, the lottery states on its website. For specific retailers, players are encouraged to use the Where to Play section on the lottery’s website and search by state.

Additionally, there are some states where players can purchase tickets online. “If you are in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, you may buy Mega Millions tickets online by registering with the lotteries in those jurisdictions,” according to Mega Millions‘ FAQ section.

Do you need to be a US citizen to win the lottery?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 21:58 , Chelsea Ritschel

According to Mega Millions’ website, you do not need to be an American citizen to purchase a lottery ticket, or win a prize.

“Visitors to the United States are always welcome to purchase tickets for our game from an American lottery retailer while they are visiting this country; you do not need to be a resident to win,” the lottery confirms.

Can winner of Mega Millions jackpot remain anonymous?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 21:00 , Chelsea Ritschel

The Mega Millions lottery is played in 45 states, Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands.

However, because lottery rules vary state by state, it means there are only some states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous - while others require individuals to disclose their identity.

Maintaining anonymity is only permitted in 16 US states, including Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, and Wyoming.

Additionally, these states may have their own limitations or restrictions, such as prize thresholds or a limited time period where a person can remain anonymous. For example, the names of those who win $600 or more in the Arizona lottery are confidential for 90 days after the prize has been awarded, and they can choose to remain anonymous if they win $100,000 or more.

Do all Mega Millions players win a prize?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 20:25 , Chelsea Ritschel

If a player has a ticket that matches just the gold Mega Ball, they win $2, which is the cost of each Mega Millions ticket.

Mega Millions jackpot grows to third largest in US with $1.58bn grand prize

How do you play the Mega Millions and can you win prizes other than jackpot?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 19:45 , Chelsea Ritschel

To play the Mega Millions lottery, players can pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from one to 70 (the white balls) and one number from one to 25 (the gold Mega Ball), according to Mega Millions’ website.

To win the grand prize, players must have a ticket that matches all six numbers drawn.

However, players who don’t win the jackpot can still win smaller prizes, as Mega Millions notes that there are “a total of nine ways to win a prize in Mega Millions, ranging from the jackpot down to $2”.

Players who match all five white balls but not the gold Mega Ball walk away with the second biggest prize of $1m, while players who match four white balls and the gold Mega Ball win $10,000.

Tuesday 8 August 2023 19:15 , Chelsea Ritschel

If the grand prize continues to grow, which it is expected to, it will surpass the previous second-largest lottery jackpot.

The title is currently held by the $1.586bn Powerball jackpot, which was won on 13 January 2016 by tickets in California, Florida and Tennessee.

The largest lottery grand prize ever recorded was won the $2.04bn Powerball jackpot won by a single ticket in California on 7 November 2022.

What are the 10 largest US lottery jackpots ever won?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:50 , Chelsea Ritschel

Whether it’s $1bn or $1.58bn, winning a lottery jackpot typically means a life-changing amount of money. However, a previous lottery winner has revealed that there are some things that do not change when you win millions of dollars.

Former lottery winner reveals what doesn’t change after you win millions

What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:29 , Chelsea Ritschel

Although the chances of winning the grand prize are slim, there are a few things that lottery players need to know if they do find themselves with a winning ticket.

From keeping the win a secret to whether you should sign a winning ticket, this is what lottery players should consider before making any decisions at all.

What to do if you win the lottery, according to experts

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:26 , Chelsea Ritschel

Ahead of Tuesday night’s drawing, hopeful players have started fantasising about the purchases they would make if they were to win the grand prize.

“Alright y’all I bought my Mega Millions tickets so now I get to live in a delusional fantasy of what I’d do with the money until they draw the numbers,” one person tweeted.

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:19 , Chelsea Ritschel

On Tuesday, the Mega Millions lottery revealed on its website that the estimated grand prize of $1.55bn had jumped to $1.58bn ahead of Tuesday night’s drawing.

If a winner were to choose the lump-sum cash payment, they would walk away with $783.3m before taxes.

When was the last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:15 , Chelsea Ritschel

The current grand prize is the result of 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner.

The last time someone won the game’s top prize was 18 April.

Mega Millions jackpot grows to third largest in US with $1.55bn grand prize

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:12 , Chelsea Ritschel

The player who eventually wins the Mega Millions jackpot will be the recipient of the largest grand prize the lottery has ever awarded.

A lucky ticket holder in South Carolina won the previous largest Mega Millions jackpot of $1.537bn in 2018, when they found themselves with a ticket that matched all six numbers drawn.

Earlier this year, an individual in Maine won a Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.348bn.

When is the lottery drawing and how can you watch it?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:02 , Chelsea Ritschel

The next drawing for the Mega Millions lottery will take place on Tuesday 8 August at 11pm ET.

Hopeful players can tune in to watch the results on TV or online. The results are typically broadcast live on multiple TV channels, including ABC, CBS, and NBC.

Additionally, players can visit the official Mega Millions website, where drawings are live-streamed every Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET.

Drawings are also streamed live on Mega Millions’ YouTube channel, which can be found here.