$1.1 billion Mega Millions drawing nears, followed by $865 million Powerball prize
Another day, another giant lottery jackpot
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Another day, another giant lottery jackpot.
Next up is an estimated $1.1 billion Mega Millions prize on Tuesday night, enticing players who hope to win the 8th largest prize in U.S. lottery history even though no one has won the jackpot since Dec. 8, 2023. That's 30 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.
Miss out on that drawing? No problem. There will be a drawing Wednesday night for an estimated $865 million Powerball jackpot. No one has won that prize either since New Year's Day, making for 36 drawings without a winner.
For both games, the long drought of jackpots is no accident. The games have long odds specifically to create large jackpots that will generate lots of interest and sales.
For Mega Millions, the odds are 1 in 302.6 million, and for Powerball they are 1 in 292.2 million.
The $1.1 billion Mega Millions prize is for a sole winner who chooses to be paid through an annuity over 30 years. A winner who opts for a cash payout would get $525.8 million.
Those winnings would be subject to federal taxes, and some states also tax lottery winnings.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is played in those states as well as Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.