$1.25 billion Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday, Aug. 1, among Top 10 largest prizes ever
Two weeks after someone won the $1.05 billion Powerball jackpot, we're feeling the lottery frenzy — again!
This time, we're wondering: Will someone win the $1.25 billion Mega Millions jackpot? Only time will tell. Less than two weeks after the Powerball jackpot finally hit $1 billion, Mega Millions did the same.
No one matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in Tuesday’s $1.10 billion jackpot. In less than two hours, it climbed to $1.25 billion.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, numbers were 8-24-30-45-61 and the Mega Ball was 12. Megaplier was 4x. There were some big-money winners in Tuesday's drawing. A ticket purchased in Texas matched 5 plus the Megaplier for a $4 million prize. Six other tickets matched five balls for $1 million prizes. Those tickets were purchased in California (2), Massachusettes, North Carolina, New York and Wisconsin.
After no one matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in the Friday, July 28, drawing, the jackpot surged from $940 million to $1.05 billion in a matter of hours. Ticket sales since the weekend increased the jackpot by $500 million. In case you're wondering, Friday numbers were 5-10-28-52-63 and the Mega Ball was 18. Megaplier was 5x. It wasn't all bad news, though: There were some big winners in Friday's drawing. A Pennsylvania ticket got the Match 5 plus the Megaplier for a $5 million prize. Tickets purchased in Arizona, California, New York and Pennsylvania won the Match 5, a $1 million prize.
In one week, the Mega Millions jackpot grew from $820 million (Tuesday, July 25) to the current estimated pot of $1.25 billion (with the next chance to win on Friday, Aug. 4).
For those keeping track, the huge increase is similar to that of the past couple weeks. The jackpot moved up on the list of Top 10 biggest Mega Millions jackpots of all time and is among the Top 10 largest lottery jackpots in the U.S. (see below).
Mega Millions drawings are held at 11 p.m. EST Tuesdays and Fridays.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Mega Millions, Powerball and lottery odds.
Tickets start at $2 apiece. Good luck!
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Repeat numbers in Mega Millions and Powerball lottery, is that common?
Oddly, the Friday, July 21, numbers were 29-40-47-50-57 and the Mega Ball was 25. Megaplier was 2x. By the way, you read that correctly − the Mega Ball was 25 for July 21 and July 25. The Mega Ball was 25 on July 25.
For this Mega Millions drawing on July 28, one of the winning numbers … was 28. Coincidence? Number pattern? We may never know.
How long will it take for Mega Millions jackpot to reach $1 billion?
It took three months of rollovers. For Powerball, it also took less than three months of rollovers for the jackpot to reach $1 billion, the third time in the game's history. Below is a snapshot of recent drawings and how much the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed (in so short a time).
The lottery frenzy seemed to gain steam around July 4th, when that drawing rolled over, it climbed $50 million overnight. Over the next few weeks, increments of $50 million to $60 million turned to $80 million and $100 million overnight. On June 30, the Mega Millions jackpot was $368 million. As of July 25, less than a month, the jackpot had grown by $452 million.
After the July 28 Mega Millions drawing rolled over, the new jackpot − which was Tuesday, Aug. 1 − was $1.10 billion less than two hours after the drawing.
Stay tuned and check back for more information about Mega Millions, Powerball and those billion-dollar lottery jackpots.
Did you know? Florida had a lot of "second-tier" winners in July 19, 2023, Powerball drawing. Was it you?
Tuesday, Aug. 1: $1.10 billion
Friday, July 28: $940 million
Tuesday, July 25: $820 million
Tuesday, July 18: $640 million
Friday, July 14: $560 million
Tuesday, July 11: $500 million
Friday, July 7: $450 million
Tuesday, July 4: $400 million
Friday, June 30: $368 million
Tuesday, June 27: $343 million
Friday, June 23: $320 million
Tuesday, June 20: $300 million
Friday, June 16: $281 million
Tuesday, June 13: $260 million
Friday, June 9: $240 million
Tuesday, June 6: $218 million
Friday, June 2: $203 million
Tuesday, May 30: $187 million
Friday, May 26: $169 million
Tuesday, May 23: $150 million
Friday, May 19: $132 million
Tuesday, May 16: $113 million
Friday, May 12: $99 million
Tuesday, May 9: $83 million
Friday, May 5: $68 million
Tuesday, May 2: $52 million
Friday, April 28: $38 million
Tuesday, April 25: $26 million
Friday, April 21: $20 million
Who won $1.08 billion Powerball drawing on Wednesday, July 20, 2023?
After a series of rollovers dating back to April 22, Powerball jackpot finally hit $1 billion for the Wednesday, July 20, drawing. However, a single ticket in California matched all six numbers to win the grand prize of $1.08 billion, and there were several "second tier" winners as well.
Three tickets matched five numbers plus the Power Play to win $2 million − they were purchased in Florida, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
There were also more than 30 tickets across the country matching the $1 million Match 5 prize. Those tickets were purchased in California (7), Florida (4), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (2), New Jersey (2), New York (5), Texas (4), and one each in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
How long did it take Powerball to reach $1 billion?
It varies, based on drawings and winners. The list below shows the dates of the drawings and how much the jackpot climbed (in so short a time). It took almost three months and more than 30 rollovers. Like the Mega Millions list above, the lottery frenzy seemed to gain steam around July 5, because when that drawing rolled over, it climbed by $69 million. Over the next few weeks, increments of $60 million to $70 million turned to $75 million and $100 million overnight. On July 1, the Powerball jackpot was $493 million and by July 19, it grew to $1.08 billion.
As of Aug. 1, no one has come forward to claim the $1.08 billion prize.
Wednesday, July 19: $1.08 billion
Monday, July 17: $900 million
Saturday, July 15: $875 million
Wednesday, July 12: $750 million
Monday, July 10: $675 million
Saturday, July 8: $615 million
Wednesday, July 5: $546 million
Monday, July 3: $522 million
Saturday, July 1: $493 million
Wednesday, June 28: $462 million
Monday, June 26: $440 million
Saturday, June 24: $427 million
Wednesday, June 21: $400 million
Monday, June 19, Juneteenth: $380 million
Saturday, June 17: $366 million
Wednesday, June 14: $340 million
Monday, June 12: $324 million
Saturday, June 10: $308 million
Wednesday, June 7: $285 million
Monday, June 5: $269 million
Saturday, June 3: $262 million
Wednesday, May 31: $239 million
Monday, May 29, Memorial Day: $226 million
Saturday, May 27: $211 million
Wednesday, May 24: $190 million
Monday, May 22: $179 million
Saturday, May 20: $162 million
Wednesday, May 17: $146 million
Monday, May 15: $135 million
Saturday, May 13: $125 million
Wednesday, May 10: $109 million
Monday, May 8: $97 million
Saturday, May 6: $87 million
Wednesday, May 3: $71 million
Monday, May 1: $60 million
Saturday, April 29: $51 million
Wednesday, April 26: $37 million
Monday, April 24: $28 million
When did lotto jackpots hit $1 billion or more?
As of Aug. 1, 2023, there have been eight lottery jackpots that have reached or surpassed $1 billion.
8. $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021: A single ticket won in Michigan.
7. $1.08 billion, Powerball, July 19, 2023: A single ticket won in California.
6. $1.10 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 1, 2023, winner TBD?
5. $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022: A single ticket won in Illinois.
4. $1.35 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023: A single ticket was purchased in Maine.
3. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018: A single ticket won in South Carolina.
2. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016: Three tickets won from California, Florida, Tennessee.
1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022: A single ticket won in California.
How much was the Mega Millions lottery jackpot for Tuesday, Aug. 1?
an estimated prize of $1.10 billion with a cash option of $550.2 million
How much was the Mega Millions lottery jackpot for Friday, July 28?
an estimated prize of $940 million with a cash option of $472.5 million
How much was the Mega Millions lottery jackpot for Tuesday, July 25?
an estimated prize of $820 million with a cash option of $418.3 million
"Luckiest state?" In case you didn't know, Florida has had 16 Powerball jackpot winners in the last 20 years
How long has Mega Millions rolled over?
This Mega Millions jackpot has rolled over since April 21. Before that, one ticket purchased in New York matched all six numbers to win the $476 million Mega Millions jackpot (cash option was $253.1 million). A retired handyman named Johnnie Taylor, 71, claimed New York's largest Mega Millions prize. He chose to take the lump sum payment of $157,288,402, news reports show. Taylor won the April 14 jackpot after buying the ticket from Liberty Beer and Convenience in Queens, New York. In addition, two tickets from that drawing purchased in Illinois and Massachusetts matched five numbers to win $1 million.
While $476 million is a lot of money, the grand prize did not make the Top 10 lottery jackpots for Mega Millions or Powerball (see below).
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
According to the Mega Millions website, you have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball. Prizes range from $2 (for matching the Mega Ball) to the grand prize jackpot, which varies.
Are the odds of winning Mega Millions the same if the jackpot is $1 billion?
Players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance to match all six numbers whether the jackpot is $20 million or $1 billion.
What are the odds of winning Powerball?
Powerball drawings are held at 11 p.m. EST Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. According to Powerball.com, players have a 1 in 292.2 million chance to match all six numbers. Prizes range from $2 to the grand prize jackpot, which varies.
Are the odds of winning Powerball the same if the jackpot is $1 billion?
Players have a 1 in 24.9 chance of winning a prize, powerball.com states. Players have a 1 in 292.2 million chance to match all six numbers whether the jackpot is $20 million or $1 billion.
Can Florida lottery winners remain anonymous?
According to Florida Lottery's website, winners cannot remain anonymous: "Florida law mandates that the Florida Lottery provide records containing information such as the winner's name, city of residence; game won, date won, and amount won to any third party who requests the information."
However, the site states, since May 25, 2022, the "names of lottery winners claiming prizes of $250,000 or greater will be temporarily exempt from public disclosure for 90 days from the date the prize is claimed, unless otherwise waived by the winner."
Lottery experts and lawyers have said there are ways to remain anonymous if you win.
Can I buy Florida lottery tickets online?
No. Some states have this option via an app or website, but not the Florida Lottery. Tickets cannot be purchased by mail, fax or online. There are more than 13,000 authorized Florida Lottery retailers here, the site states.
I bought Powerball ticket in another state. Can I cash in my winnings in Florida?
No. Powerball prizes must be claimed in the state where the ticket was purchased, the Florida Lottery says.
I bought a Mega Millions ticket in another state. Can I cash in my winnings in Florida?
No. Mega Millions prizes must be claimed in the state where the ticket was purchased, the Florida Lottery says.
When do Florida lottery tickets expire?
Prizes for Florida Lottery must be claimed within 180 days (six months) from the date of the drawing. To claim a single-payment cash option, a winner has within the first 60 days after the applicable draw date to claim it. Florida Lottery says its scratch-off tickets and Fast Play game prizes "must be claimed within 60 days of the official end-of-game date. Once the applicable time period has elapsed, the related Florida Lottery ticket will expire."
What happens to the unclaimed prize money?
According to the Florida Lottery, state law requires 80% of unclaimed prize funds from expired tickets be transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund. The remaining 20% is returned to the prize pool for future drawings.
What happens to unclaimed Powerball prize money?
Should a Powerball ticket not be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date, the Florida Lottery site states, "the funds to pay the unclaimed jackpot will be returned to the lottery members in their proportion of sales for the jackpot rollover series." According to Powerball's site, "unclaimed prizes are kept by the lottery jurisdiction. If a Grand Prize goes unclaimed, the money must be returned to all lotteries in proportion to their sales for the draw run. The lotteries then distribute the money, based on their own jurisdiction's laws, to other lottery games or to their jurisdiction's general fund, or otherwise as required by law."
What happens to unclaimed Mega Millions prize money?
Should a Mega Millions ticket not be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date, "the funds to pay the unclaimed jackpot will be returned to the lottery members in their proportion of sales for the jackpot rollover series."
What is the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history? Who claimed $2.04 billion Powerball prize?
The largest lottery prize ever climbed to $2.04 billion in November. The jackpot was an estimated $1.9 billion days before the drawing, but lottery ticket sales helped it grow to more than $2 billion after updated calculations. A single ticket purchased in California won the grand prize, and the winner was revealed on Valentine's Day − Feb. 14, 2023. Edwin Castro won the largest-ever lottery jackpot, and he opted for a lump sum of $997.6 million, just shy of $1 billion, according to the California Lottery.
One big buy. Record $2 billion Powerball winner bought $25.5 million pad in Hollywood Hills, reports say
What are the Top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots ever?
According to its website, here are the Top 10 Mega Millions jackpots as of Aug. 1, 2023:
10. $533 million — March 30, 2018; New Jersey
9. $536 million — July 8, 2016; Indiana
8. $543 million — July 24, 2018; California
7. $648 million — Dec. 17, 2013; California and Georgia
6. $656 million — March 30, 2012; Illinois, Kansas and Maryland
5. $1.05 billion — Jan. 22, 2021; Michigan
4. $1.10 billion — Aug. 1, 2023? TBD
3. $1.337 billion — July 29, 2022; Illinois
2. $1.35 billion — Jan. 13, 2023; Maine
1. $1.537 billion — Oct. 23, 2018; South Carolina
What are the Top 10 largest Powerball jackpots ever?
Here are the Top 10 Powerball jackpots as of Aug. 1, 2023:
10. $632.6 million — Jan. 5, 2022; California and Wisconsin
9. $687.8 million — Oct. 27, 2018; Iowa and New York
8. $699.8 million — Oct. 4, 2021; California
7. $731.1 million — Jan. 20, 2021; Maryland
6. $754.6 million — Feb. 6, 2023; Washington
5. $758.7 million — Aug. 23, 2017; Massachusetts
4. $768.4 million — March 27, 2019; Wisconsin
3. $1.08 billion — July 20, 2023; California
2. $1.586 billion — Jan. 13, 2016; California, Florida and Tennessee
1. $2.04 billion — Nov. 7, 2022; California
What are the Top 10 largest lottery jackpots ever?
The following Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots made the Top 10 biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history, as of Aug. 1, 2023.
10. $758.7 million Powerball drawing — Aug. 23, 2017; Massachusetts
9. $768.4 million Powerball drawing — March 27, 2019; Wisconsin
8. $1.05 billion Mega Millions drawing — Jan. 22, 2021; Michigan
7. $1.08 billion Powerball drawing — July 20, 2023; California
6. $1.10 billion Mega Millions drawing — Aug. 1, 2023? TBD
5. $1.337 billion Mega Millions drawing — July 29, 2022; Illinois
4. $1.35 billion Mega Millions drawing — Jan. 13, 2023; Maine
3. $1.537 billion Mega Millions drawing — Oct. 23, 2018; South Carolina
2. $1.586 billion Powerball drawing — Jan. 13, 2016; California, Florida and Tennessee
1. $2.04 billion Powerball drawing — Nov. 7, 2022; California
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Anyone win Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, Mega Millions $1.25 billion drawing?
