Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $977 Million, No Big Winners Yet

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has soared to an estimated $977 million for the upcoming draw, marking it as the sixth-largest Mega Millions prize and the tenth largest in U.S. lottery history. The jackpot, along with the Powerball prize, remains enticing players across the nation, with the Powerball jackpot currently standing at $750 million.

The winning Mega Millions numbers for Friday, March 22, were 3, 8, 31, 35, 44, and 16 for the Megaball, with a Megaplier of 3x. Players can join Mega Millions draws on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. EST in hopes of securing a life-changing win.

Individuals interested in participating can select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Additionally, players have the choice to generate random Quick Picks through the lottery machine. Participation is open to all, regardless of U.S. citizenship or residency in a specific state.

Prizes range from $2 for matching just the Mega Ball to up to $1 million for matching all five white balls (excluding California). However, winning the jackpot, with odds at 302,575,350-to-1, remains a considerable challenge.

Tickets are available for purchase in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, either in person at various locations or online through select states’ platforms like in Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, and more. Innovative apps like Jackpocket offer convenient solutions for acquiring and managing lottery tickets.

Players are urged to verify the deadline for ticket purchases in their respective states, as it can range from 15 minutes to over an hour ahead of the drawing time. Different payout options, including annuity or lump sum, provide winners with choices on how to receive their potentially life-altering winnings.