Atlanta, GA — The highly anticipated Mega Millions drawing on Friday, December 20, 2024, ended without a grand prize winner, pushing the jackpot closer to the $1 billion mark for the next drawing.
The winning numbers for the evening were 5, 18, 24, 44, 61, and the Mega Ball was 3, with a Megaplier of 4x.
Major Wins Despite No Jackpot
Although the massive jackpot remains unclaimed, several players walked away with significant prizes:
- A ticket purchased in North Carolina matched five numbers but missed the Mega Ball, netting the buyer a $4 million win thanks to the Megaplier.
- In California and Georgia, tickets matching four numbers and the Mega Ball earned lucky winners $10,000 each.
The Growing Jackpot
The next drawing, scheduled for Tuesday, December 24, will feature an estimated jackpot of $910 million, with a cash option of approximately $396.8 million. This jackpot has been climbing since the last grand prize win on October 17, 2024, when a Florida resident claimed a $23 million prize.
Where and How to Play
Tickets for Mega Millions cost $2 per play and are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players can add the Megaplier option for an additional $1, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
The drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET and are broadcast live on select networks and online.
Tips for Playing Responsibly
With the jackpot reaching record-breaking levels, officials remind players to gamble responsibly. “While we all dream of winning big, it’s important to play within your means,” said a spokesperson for the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
What Happens If You Win?
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot have the option of receiving their prize as a lump sum or as an annuity paid out over 30 years. Experts recommend consulting a financial advisor before making decisions about large windfalls.
Next Steps
Will someone claim the Mega Millions jackpot before the holidays? As excitement builds, ticket sales are expected to surge ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.
Check back for updates and results from the next Mega Millions drawing. Could you be the next multi-millionaire?