Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $223 Million Ahead of Friday’s Drawing

ATLANTA, GA — The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $223 million for Friday’s drawing, with a cash option of $99.4 million available for winners. As the clock ticks toward the drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET, many players are eager to see if they hold the lucky ticket.

Millions of hopeful individuals from the 45 participating states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are holding their breaths as the anticipation builds. Players choose six numbers: five from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. Tickets are priced at $2.00 each.

In the previous drawing, no one matched all six numbers, contributing to the jackpot increase. Players have the option to select their numbers or use the Easy Pick/Quick Pick feature, allowing the machine to randomly generate numbers.

If lucky players win, they must choose either the annuity option, which provides an immediate payout followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5%, or a lump-sum cash prize. Winners are reminded to review their tickets carefully after the drawing.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot stand at approximately 1 in 302.6 million, while smaller prizes start at $2. Recent changes in ticket pricing have also improved the prize distribution chances.

As the night approaches, one fortunate ticket could transform an ordinary Friday into a life-changing jackpot celebration.