With no jackpot winner in Friday night's drawing (see results below), the Mega Millions lottery increases to a $654 million payout (with a cash option of $372 million) for the next numbers. That's the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever, only $3 million shy of the all-time highest.
In Friday's drawing on 10/12/18, one player in Arkansas had a ticket matching five numbers, claiming $1 million (the player also played the Megaplier option, increasing their winnings to $3 million) The Mega Millions numbers for Oct. 12 were 4-24-46-61-70; the Gold Mega Ball was 7; the Megaplier was 3.
So, if you want a chance at winning one of the biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever early next week, you have until Tuesday at 10:50 p.m. in most states to purchase a $2 entry ticket. The drawing will is Tuesday night at 11 p.m. ET.
But don't go counting on a win. Your odds of winning the Mega Millions overall jackpot is one in 302 million, according to the lottery. Here's how to play: Spend $2 and pick six numbers from two separate pools – from 1-70 and one from 1-25. Or, you can play an Easy Pick/Quick Pick and have the computer make the choice for you. You win the jackpot if all six winning numbers drawn match your ticket.
Experts say that picking your own numbers in the biggest lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions may not be the best bet. In Powerball, for instance, 70 percent of the winners reportedly used computer picks, according to the company's website.
"Does this mean that you are more likely to win with a computer pick ticket? Maybe," the site has stated.
Meanwhile, America's other big lottery game also has a big jackpot. The Powerball jackpot has now reached $345 million after there was no winner in the Saturday, 10/13/18 drawing. Powerball tickets cost $2. The next drawing is scheduled for Wednesday night at 11 p.m. You have until 9:45 p.m. ET in most states to purchase a ticket.
The odds of winning the overall jackpot in Powerball is one in 292 million.
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