Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $181 Million After No Big Winner

CLEVELAND — The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $181 million for the upcoming drawing on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, after no players matched all six winning numbers in Friday night’s drawing.

The winning numbers drawn just after 11 p.m. ET on Friday were 1, 13, 28, 37, 46, with a Mega Ball of 10 and a Megaplier of 2X. Despite the absence of a grand prize winner, lottery officials reported there were numerous smaller prizes awarded, including 25 tickets that won $10,000 each.

The jackpot from Friday’s drawing was worth $165 million, with a cash option available of $75.4 million, which did not entice any lucky ticket holders. The next drawing’s cash option is approximately $82.7 million, giving players another chance to strike it rich.

Since the start of 2024, winning tickets for the Mega Millions have been scarce, with Friday’s draw marking yet another instance of no jackpot winners. Only four tickets have matched all six numbers this year, representing the fewest jackpots won in a calendar year since the game’s inception in 2002.

The Mega Millions lottery allows players to choose six numbers: five from a pool of white balls numbered 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball numbered 1 to 25. Players hoping for a simpler option may request a ‘Quick Pick,’ which generates random numbers.

The Megaplier feature, available for an additional dollar, offers an opportunity to multiply non-jackpot winnings by two, three, four, or five times. This multiplier is drawn before the six Mega Millions numbers are revealed.

Tickets are available at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores, with some states offering online purchases. In Ohio, for instance, players can buy tickets until 10 p.m. the night of the draw.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball stand at a daunting 1 in 302,575,350. Lottery experts recommend responsible playing, emphasizing the fun aspect of participating in the lottery.

This news comes in the wake of a significant win earlier this year, where an Arizona resident took home a jackpot of $113 million on January 17. The Mega Millions lottery continues to attract players with its life-changing payouts and thrilling atmosphere.