Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $197 Million After Latest Drawing

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $197 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday, February 28, 2025, after no winning ticket was sold for the previous draw on Tuesday night. The cash option for the jackpot stands at approximately $92.4 million.

The winning numbers from the latest drawing were 9, 19, 30, 35, 66, and the Mega Ball was 16. The Megaplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes, was 3X.

Lottery officials reported that while no one won the top prize, six tickets matched four numbers, resulting in $10,000 winnings each. One of those tickets also matched the Megaplier, bringing that winner’s total to $30,000.

As a result of this roll-over, the jackpot for the next drawing has risen to $215 million, with a cash option worth approximately $100.9 million.

Kevin Dempsey, a spokesperson for the Ohio Lottery, stated, “While we didn’t see a jackpot winner, we’re thrilled to have had so many winners in the smaller prize categories. It’s exciting to see the jackpot climb, and we encourage everyone to play safely.”

Players can buy Mega Millions tickets for $2 at various locations, including convenience stores and gas stations, or online in certain states. Additionally, players can opt for the Megaplier, which adds an extra dollar to their ticket price. The Megaplier feature can increase non-jackpot winnings by up to five times.

According to lottery statistics, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are about 1 in 302,575,350. The game has seen a significant decline in jackpots this year, with only four tickets matching all six numbers in 2024. This marks the fewest jackpots awarded since the game started in 2002.

The Mega Millions is drawn every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. EST. The next drawing is scheduled for March 4, 2025. Players are reminded to check their tickets promptly after the drawing to claim any prizes, as unclaimed tickets may vary by state.

For the latest updates on the Mega Millions and other lottery games, players can visit official lottery websites and social media channels. Remember to play responsibly and consider seeking help if gambling becomes a problem.