19th-largest U.S. jackpot of all time
By Todd Northrop
The multi-state Mega Millions lottery game continued its Summer climb Tuesday night, and is now at the point where jackpot rolls are sharply increased.
After nobody won Tuesday night's grand prize, the Mega Millions jackpot grew to an estimated $422 million — the 19th-largest U.S. lottery jackpot of all time, and the biggest since a $533 million Mega Millions jackpot from the March 30 drawing was claimed by a New Jersey man. (See NJ man claims $533 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot, Lottery Post, Apr. 13, 2018.)
The lump-sum cash value rose to a massive $254.8 million — the 18th-largest U.S. lottery cash value in history. (The full top-25 list of U.S. lottery jackpots can be found below.)
Friday's Mega Millions jackpot is the accumulation of 21 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner. The current jackpot run-up started on May 8 as a $40 million grand prize — it has been more than two months since Mega Millions has had a jackpot winner.
Lottery players can see an after-tax analysis of the current Mega Millions jackpot by visiting USA Mega's Jackpot Analysis page.
Players should note that jackpot amounts are conservative estimates provided by the lotteries, and are often somewhat higher by the time the drawing occurs. Occasionally the official jackpot estimate is raised even before the drawing, due to larger-than-expected sales.
In Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing, there was no jackpot winner, but 3 lucky players matched the first 5 numbers for a $1,000,000 prize: 1 from Florida, 1 from New Jersey, and 1 from Oklahoma.
Unfortunately, none of the second-prize winners purchased their ticket with the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play. If they had, their prize would have been increased to $5 million, because the Megaplier number drawn was 5.
The Megaplier option is not available in California, because the fixed nature of the prize increase offered with the Megaplier is not compatible with California's pari-mutuel payouts. By law, California awards all prizes on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning the prizes will change each drawing based on the number of tickets sold and the number of tickets that won at each prize level.
Another 25 tickets matched four of the first five numbers plus the Mega Ball to win a $10,000 prize. Of those tickets, 2 were purchased with the Megaplier option, increasing the prize to $50,000, and 2 were sold in California, where the prize is worth $23,737 this drawing.
The Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, July 17, 2018, were 40, 41, 61, 66, and 67, with Mega Ball number 12. The Megaplier number was 5.
Following the Tuesday drawing, the Mega Millions annuity jackpot estimate was raised $47 million from its previous amount of $375 million. The cash value was raised by $28.1 million, from its previous amount of $226.7 million.
The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are 1 in 24.
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 each. For an extra $1 per ticket players can purchase the Megaplier option, which multiplies any non-jackpot won by up to 5 times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn that evening.
The only state that does not offer the Megaplier is California, because state law banning fixed lottery prize amounts is not compatible with the fixed nature of the Megaplier payouts.
Mega Millions features nine different prize levels, ranging from $2 all the way up to the jackpot. Players can win even if they just match one number — the Mega Ball number.
Mega Millions is currently offered for sale in 44 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 pm Eastern Time.
The Mega Millions winning numbers are published at USA Mega (www.usamega.com) minutes after the drawing takes place.
Top 25 United States lottery jackpots of all time
Friday's Mega Millions jackpot currently stands as the 19th-largest lottery jackpot of all time in the United States. That position may rise before the drawing, as lotteries are typically conservative in their initial estimates, and brisk sales may push the jackpot estimate higher by draw time.
- Powerball: $1.5864 billion, Jan. 13, 2016 - California, Florida, Tennessee
- Powerball: $758.7 million, Aug. 23, 2017 - Massachusetts
- Mega Millions: $656 million, Mar. 30, 2012 - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
- Mega Millions: $636 million, Dec. 17, 2013 - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $590.5 million, May 18, 2013 - Florida
- Powerball: $587.5 million, Nov. 28, 2012 - Arizona, Missouri
- Powerball: $564.1 million, Feb. 11, 2015 - North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas
- Powerball: $559.7 million, Jan. 6, 2018 - New Hampshire
- Mega Millions: $536 million, Jul. 8, 2016 - Indiana
- Mega Millions: $533 million, Mar. 30, 2018 - New Jersey
- Powerball: $487 million, Jul. 30, 2016 - New Hampshire
- Powerball: $456.7 million, Mar. 17, 2018 - Pennsylvania
- Mega Millions: $451 million, Jan. 5, 2018 - Florida
- Powerball: $448.4 million, Aug. 7, 2013 - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
- Powerball: $447.8 million, Jun. 10, 2017 - California
- Powerball: $435.3 million, Feb. 22, 2017 - Indiana
- Powerball: $429.6 million, May 7, 2016 - New Jersey
- Powerball: $425.3 million, Feb. 19, 2014 - California
- Mega Millions: $422 million, Jul. 20, 2018 - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Powerball: $420.9 million, Nov. 26, 2016 - Tennessee
- Mega Millions: $414 million, Mar. 18, 2014 - Florida, Maryland
- Powerball: $399.4 million, Sep. 18, 2013 - South Carolina
- Mega Millions: $393 million, Aug. 11, 2017 - Illinois
- Mega Millions: $390 million, Mar. 6, 2007 - Georgia, New Jersey
For those keeping score, the number of jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:
- Powerball: 15
- Mega Millions: 10
Top 25 cash value jackpots
Since many lottery winners collect their winnings in cash, the lump-sum payout is an important measure of what a winning ticket could be worth.
Looking at the cash value, the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot ranks as the 18th-largest cash value in U.S. history.
- Powerball: $983.5 million cash, Jan. 13, 2016 ($1.5864 billion annuity) - California, Florida, Tennessee
- Powerball: $480.5 million cash, Aug. 23, 2017 ($758.7 million annuity) - Massachusetts
- Mega Millions: $471 million cash, Mar. 30, 2012 ($656 million annuity) - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
- Powerball: $384.7 million cash, Nov. 28, 2012 ($587.5 million annuity) - Arizona, Missouri
- Powerball: $381.1 million cash, Feb. 11, 2015 ($564.1 million annuity) - North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas
- Mega Millions: $378 million cash, Jul. 8, 2016 ($536 million annuity) - Indiana
- Powerball: $370.9 million cash, May 18, 2013 ($590.5 million annuity) - Florida
- Powerball: $352 million cash, Jan. 6, 2018 ($559.7 million annuity) - New Hampshire
- Mega Millions: $347.6 million cash, Dec. 17, 2013 ($636 million annuity) - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $336.8 million cash, Jul. 30, 2016 ($487 million annuity) - New Hampshire
- Mega Millions: $324 million cash, Mar. 30, 2018 ($533 million annuity) - New Jersey
- Powerball: $284 million cash, May 7, 2016 ($429.6 million annuity) - New Jersey
- Mega Millions: $281.9 million cash, Jan. 5, 2018 ($451 million annuity) - Florida
- Powerball: $279.1 million cash, Jun. 10, 2017 ($447.8 million annuity) - California
- Powerball: $273.9 million cash, Mar. 17, 2018 ($456.7 million annuity) - Pennsylvania
- Powerball: $263.5 million cash, Feb. 22, 2017 ($435.3 million annuity) - Indiana
- Powerball: $258.2 million cash, Aug. 7, 2013 ($448.4 million annuity) - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
- Mega Millions: $254.8 million cash, Jul. 20, 2018 ($422 million annuity) - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Powerball: $254.7 million cash, Nov. 26, 2016 ($420.9 million annuity) - Tennessee
- Mega Millions: $246.5 million cash, Aug. 11, 2017 ($393 million annuity) - Illinois
- Mega Millions: $240 million cash, Jan. 4, 2011 ($380 million annuity) - Idaho, Washington
- Mega Millions: $233.1 million cash, Mar. 6, 2007 ($390 million annuity) - Georgia, New Jersey
- Mega Millions: $230.9 million cash, Mar. 18, 2014 ($414 million annuity) - Florida, Maryland
- Powerball: $227.8 million cash, Feb. 19, 2014 ($425.3 million annuity) - California
- Powerball: $224.7 million cash, Aug. 15, 2012 ($337 million annuity) - Michigan
The number of cash value jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:
- Powerball: 15
- Mega Millions: 10
I got my tickets!!!!!!!
Time 4 the big money
Hey dpoly1, can you purchase these on-line in Pennsylvania? I've got to wait four more days for some reason for the repair to be activated so KY lottery knows I'm in KY.
Got mine too, just now, conveniently #12 came in QP MM #.
Aside from feel good stories, always like this kind of story that puts things in perspective. Kind of hoping it isn't won for a while so the standings will move up from 18.
Have your kindergarten or first grade child or grandchild pick you numbers and you’re due to win..no joke!!! And that’s any numbers... they pick better than us
Welcome to LP; tried to send you a private message but it didn't work.
Anyway good idea there, might be the way to win.
Bought 15 weeks worth of MM/MP & PB/PP in Detroit 3 weeks ago.
Have tried unsuccessfully to get your lottery to put a beginning and end date on advance plays. They did write back and said good idea and MAY consider it in the future. How hard is it to program the computer to do that? I even called them and am tempted to find out who provides lottery services there, I think I know.
$422 Annuity
$254,800,000.00 CASH
MINUS FEDERAL TAXES $94,276,000.00
TAKE HOME.......
........................................................
$160,524,000.00
Just about in order below:
https:/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPrSVkTRb24/www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPrSVkTRb24
https://nsx.acura.com/explore/nsx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63UhYQyizaA (This maybe optional...yeah yeah, I know.. but I can dream)
IDK
I just go to the convenience store down the street
Sorry I couldn't help
It seems to me lottery fatigue can set in. Then to reward us loyal players both of the biggies have changed the odds making it harder than ever to win the Jackpot. OTOH I love it when the mathematician types say you have a better chance of this and that than winning the lottery. Yet they remain silent when someone beats the odds and takes the cake.
I dont like the odds at all like everyone else and it can be very discouraging BUT someone always wins, why cant it be you or me? We all have about the same chance of winning, with a few variables! And it is that hope that keeps me coming back for more.
My my little guy is starting Kindergarden in 6 weeks, does that count?
Perfect............
Could not help thinking about that scene in “ breaking Bad” where our resident “ cooker” is gazing at that stack of cash in a pallet. What a mouth watering scene! That right there folks is what it is all about. Money, you got to love it, despite what people may or may not say.
It’s a refreshing sight, no matter what angle you look at! Hope a member wins.
Thank You, Todd Northrop, for posting this Top 25 list.
When the jackpots reach this level good things and good dreams begin to occur. The media will soon be doing news stories.
Since I am a Californian I will have the chance to say NO to the media availability and the photo celebrity. I will leave a short written statement which will include basic information about Lottery Post and USAMEGA.
In the storage locker, right? That was amazing — especially when they realize that much cash is so heavy that it really can't be moved.
I hope the jackpot rolls to a billion dollars so they will have to change the name to Mega Billion lottery.
Yes Commander, in that storage locker. That scene is priceless!
"Mega Billion" Cute!
Good luck with Fridays draw and if it reaches a billion dollars.
What is the tax percentage? What is Illinois tax percentage?
Where do you keep money, if you take the lump sum?
Just going out on a limb here on this one.....Bank.... I am pretty sure an investment counselor will set up a proper account for you with that much.............
Yeah, can't see the top banks getting hack. It would be hard to trust somebody or a group with that much money.
An investment advisor who does not both give advice and then sell you products for a huge oversight fee.
Not sure if I have mm fever just yet...maybe if it hits $500 million.
Find an excellent Certified Financial Planner who will direct you toward the right investments for your estate. Stocks, Bonds, Mutual funds, different types of funds, real estate, Treasuries, Insurance, etc. Spend some good money and be lead toward the correct investments for you.
Plan on knowing your planner for a long time. When you interview one he/she will be interviewing you.
There is much more for you to do when you win $422,000,000.00 Lump Sum $160,000,000.00
Sorry for not being much help, but I vaguely remember seeing it somewhere on LP state by state payouts.
Financial planners? No thanks. When that much money is involved even the most honest are tempted to skim off the top. I've been alive long enough not to fully trust most people. Personally, I'd distribute the money among 10 or so major banks at a healthy interest rate in addition to some real estate.
I don't like the odds either. However, I am looking at some scenarios as to what numbers could be drawn. I think Fri or next week this lottery is won and just move on.
usamega.com has a section on that site. I recall Todd told me where it is.
It's all good.
https://www.usamega.com/mega-millions-jackpot.asp
Thank you wander73; go to that site and then jackpot analysis...state by state tax liabilities, payouts.
The news story includes a link to the Jackpot Analysis page at USA Mega.
Me too. Hope you win lejardin.
.
LiveInGreenBay,
I'm surprised AND confused.
I figure you'd've agreed with Music* on consulting the financial planners etc.
I like your idea as well, but I wish you'd further consult with Music* and see if he might not change his mind to your plan.
It's important for us LP members to know, so we can be best prepared, when/if the unthinkable happens.
You actually had posted a most useful comment on here, for me, many months ago. It had to do with opting for a subscription, like Mass. has. You mentioned to the effect of:
"how do we know they won't be recording wins for tax purposes, throughout the year . . . "
That is something I've never forgotten. I don't want some computer to be tallying up my $2 and $4 wins every other week, for taxes, for the year. I have no problem paying taxes, but I need to be fully aware of my potential tax obligations.
Mr. Groppo
LiveInGreenBay, I am sure that you have done the math. $160,000,000.00 divided among ten banks = $16,000,000.00 per bank
Even with 20 banks and that leaves you with $8,000,000.00 per bank.
I might invest a large part in www.financialengines.com They invest in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Plus investing the way Warren Buffett invests by leaving it in the market.
But I think that the managers in financial engines do buy and sell funds. Actively managed versus passively managed.
Good luck to all! When I win, I will claim EXACTLY like this:
I think that if I was holding the winning ticket I would take annuity payments and so no to the press conference or pictures.-weshar75
We are all living longer lives now. You could reach year thirty and get your last check in the mail.
You will have more money than anyone on this website. You won!
Money is a way of keeping score. It is digits.
What would the estimated jackpot be if nobody wins on Friday?
some were in the ballpark of $470 million I guess!-weshar75
I don't like when jackpots get this big so i hope multiple tickets win or a big group. People go crazy when they think of $100 million+ (after taxes) and act like 20 or 30 million (after taxes) wouldn't be enough.
Blame the media. I will put it to you this way. If I had a winning ticket that much I know the first couple of things to do first. Then I have a plan of getting some people to work for me. I sell items and I am going to wait for a private label to happen. Next talk to sm business owners. I have some ideas so we will wait and see about the draw numbers.
Hahaha!!!!
That gets me every time!
They do talk about the odds of winning...how hard, how impossible...and then BAM! Someone wins!!!!