Mega Millions, jackpot flies to $965 million: record draw on Friday
Gambling fever is on the rise in the United States: millions of Americans are buying tickets in the hope of hitting the winning combination of a prize that is now close to a billion
America is once again chasing a nearly $1 billion dream. After Tuesday's 11 November draw, in which no ticket hit the combination 10, 13, 40, 42, 46 and Mega Ball 1, the Mega Millions jackpot rises to $965 million, the highest of the year and among the richest in US lottery history. The cash option, for those who want the full amount right away, is worth $445.3 million before tax.
The Mega Millions is one of America's two big national lotteries (along with the Powerball). Each player chooses five numbers from 1 to 70 and a 'Mega Ball' from 1 to 25. Catching all six numbers means winning the jackpot, but there are smaller prizes of up to $2 million. Tickets cost $5 and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.
Friday's draw will be the 40th consecutive winnerless since the last jackpot was awarded on 27 June 2025 in Illinois, an all-time record. The odds of guessing the complete combination remain infinitesimal - 1 in 290 million - but the rush for tickets has exploded across the country, fuelling queues in shops and record online sales.
The National Council on Problem Gambling urges caution, reminding that "the lottery is entertainment, not investment". Yet, as every time the jackpot approaches the billion mark, millions of Americans will continue to play, chasing the hope of changing their lives overnight.
