By Todd Northrop
The multi-state Mega Millions lottery game continued growing its jackpot toward frenzy levels last night.
After nobody won Friday night's grand prize, the Mega Millions jackpot grew to an estimated $309 million — the largest since the near-record-setting $648 million jackpot on Dec. 17, 2013, and the 23rd-largest United States lottery jackpot of all time (see full list below).
The lump-sum cash value rose to a massive $169.5 million — the 20th-largest U.S. lottery cash value in history.
Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot is the accumulation of 18 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner. The current jackpot run-up started on January 7 as a $15 million grand prize — it has been more than two months since Mega Millions has had a jackpot winner.
Lottery players can see an after-tax analysis of the current Mega Millions jackpot by visiting USA Mega's Jackpot Analysis page.
Players should note that jackpot amounts are conservative estimates provided by the lotteries, and are often somewhat higher by the time the drawing occurs. Occasionally the official jackpot estimate is raised even before the drawing, due to larger-than-expected sales.
In Friday night's Mega Millions drawing, there was no jackpot winner, but 3 lucky players matched the first 5 numbers for a $1,000,000 prize: 1 from Massachusetts, 1 from New York, and 1 from Texas.
Unfortunately, none of the second-prize winners purchased their ticket with the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play. If they had, their prize would have been increased to $4 million, because the Megaplier number drawn was 4.
The Megaplier option is not available in California, because the fixed nature of the prize increase offered with the Megaplier is not compatible with California's pari-mutuel payouts. By law, California awards all prizes on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning the prizes will change each drawing based on the number of tickets sold and the number of tickets that won at each prize level.
Also, a total of 51 tickets matched four of the first five numbers plus the Mega Ball to win a $5,000 prize. Of those tickets, 4 were purchased with the Megaplier option, increasing the prize to $20,000, and 5 were sold in California, where the prize is worth $10,073 this drawing.
The Mega Millions winning numbers for Friday, March 7, 2014, were 11, 13, 51, 57, and 69, with Mega Ball number 1. The Megaplier number was 4.
Following the Friday drawing, the Mega Millions annuity jackpot estimate was raised $39 million from its previous amount of $270 million. The cash value was raised by $18.5 million, from its previous amount of $151 million.
Mega Millions is currently offered for sale in 43 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 pm Eastern Time. Tickets cost $1 each.
A 44th Mega Millions state may be added later this year, as the state of Wyoming has approved a new state lottery with the intention of joining multi-state lottery games. (See Wyoming officially becomes 44th state with a lottery, Lottery Post, Mar. 14, 2013.)
The Mega Millions winning numbers are published at USA Mega (www.usamega.com) minutes after the drawing takes place.
Top 25 United States lottery jackpots of all time
Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot currently stands as the 23rd-largest lottery jackpot of all time in the United States. That position may rise before the drawing, as lotteries are typically conservative in their initial estimates, and brisk sales may push the jackpot estimate higher by draw time.
- Mega Millions: $656 million, Mar. 30, 2012 - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
- Mega Millions: $648 million, Dec. 17, 2013 - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $590.5 million, May 18, 2013 - Florida
- Powerball: $587.5 million, Nov. 28, 2012 - Arizona, Missouri
- Powerball: $448.4 million, Aug. 7, 2013 - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
- Powerball: $425.3 million, Feb. 19, 2014 - California
- Powerball: $399.4 million, Sep. 18, 2013 - South Carolina
- Mega Millions: $390 million, Mar. 6, 2007 - Georgia, New Jersey
- Mega Millions: $380 million, Jan. 4, 2011 - Idaho, Washington
- Powerball: $365 million, Feb. 18, 2006 - Nebraska
- The Big Game: $363 million, May 9, 2000 - Illinois, Michigan
- Powerball: $340 million, Oct. 19, 2005 - Oregon
- Powerball: $338.3 million, Mar. 23, 2013 - New Jersey
- Powerball: $337 million, Aug. 15, 2012 - Michigan
- Powerball: $336.4 million, Feb. 11, 2012 - Rhode Island
- Mega Millions: $336 million, Aug. 28, 2009 - California, New York
- The Big Game: $331 million, Apr. 16, 2002 - Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey
- Mega Millions: $330 million, Aug. 31, 2007 - Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
- Mega Millions: $319 million, Mar. 25, 2011 - New York
- Mega Millions: $315 million, Nov. 15, 2005 - California
- Powerball: $314.9 million, Dec. 25, 2002 - West Virgina
- Powerball: $314.3 million, Aug. 25, 2007 - Indiana
- Mega Millions: $309 million, Mar. 11, 2014 - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Powerball: $295.7 million, Jul. 29, 1998 - Indiana
- Powerball: $295 million, Aug. 25, 2001 - Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire
For those keeping score, the number of jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:
- Mega Millions: 9
- Powerball: 14
- The Big Game: 2
The Big Game is the original name of Mega Millions, from the game's first drawing on Sep. 6, 1996 through May 14, 2002. The name was changed to Mega Millions starting with the May 17, 2002 drawing.
Top 25 cash value jackpots
Since many lottery winners collect their winnings in cash, the lump-sum payout is an important measure of what a winning ticket could be worth.
Looking at the cash value, the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot ranks as the 20th-largest cash value in U.S. history.
- Mega Millions: $471 million cash, Mar. 30, 2012 ($656 million annuity) - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
- Powerball: $384.7 million cash, Nov. 28, 2012 ($587.5 million annuity) - Arizona, Missouri
- Powerball: $370.9 million cash, May 18, 2013 ($590.5 million annuity) - Florida
- Mega Millions: $347.6 million cash, Dec. 17, 2013 ($648 million annuity) - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $258.2 million cash, Aug. 7, 2013 ($448.4 million annuity) - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
- Mega Millions: $240 million cash, Jan. 4, 2011 ($380 million annuity) - Idaho, Washington
- Mega Millions: $233.1 million cash, Mar. 6, 2007 ($390 million annuity) - Georgia, New Jersey
- Powerball: $227.8 million cash, Feb. 19, 2014 ($425.3 million annuity) - California
- Powerball: $224.7 million cash, Aug. 15, 2012 ($337 million annuity) - Michigan
- Powerball: $223.3 million cash, Sep. 18, 2013 ($399.4 million annuity) - South Carolina
- Mega Millions: $214 million cash, Aug. 28, 2009 ($336 million annuity) - California, New York
- Powerball: $211 million cash, Mar. 23, 2013 ($338.3 million annuity) - New Jersey
- Powerball: $210 million cash, Feb. 11, 2012 ($336.4 million annuity) - Rhode Island
- Mega Millions: $202.9 million cash, Mar. 25, 2011 ($319 million annuity) - New York
- Mega Millions: $194.4. million cash, Aug. 31, 2007 ($330 million annuity) - Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
- Mega Millions: $185 million cash, Nov. 15, 2005 ($315 million annuity) - California
- The Big Game: $180 million cash, May 9, 2000 ($363 million annuity) - Illinois, Michigan
- Powerball: $177.3 million cash, Feb. 18, 2006 ($365 million annuity) - Nebraska
- Powerball: $170.5 million cash, Dec. 25, 2002 ($314.9 million annuity) - West Virginia
- Mega Millions: $169.5 million cash, Mar. 11, 2014 ($309 million annuity) - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Mega Millions: $168 million cash, July 2, 2004 ($294 million annuity) - Massachusetts
- Mega Millions: $167.7 million cash, Feb. 22, 2008 ($275 million annuity) - Georgia
- Powerball: $165.8 million cash, Aug. 25, 2001 ($295 million annuity) - Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire
- Mega Millions: $165.2 million cash, May 4, 2010 ($266 million annuity) - California
- Powerball: $164.4 million cash, won Oct. 19, 2005 ($340 million annuity) - Oregon
I wonder how many quit playing due to california usually winning all the time. It makes the lottery less credible if the same state always wins.
lololol.....what would they do if they moved to CA. and STILL didn't win ???
I guess some states like Maine can scream conspiracy
LOL. IKR. I neither get nor see this 'thing' with California wins. NJ, FL, and MI seem to get their fair share of wins.
It's slowly creeping up again. Time to have some fun and win some money.
What'd you guys think, MM roll for another 4 weeks? I think 8 more draws should yield a nice tidy sum!! : ))
Based on the link below, i'd say the list of winners for the most part are diverse in all the right ways. Location, Men, Women, White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Young, Old, Married, Single, Regular players, First Time players, Group/Pool players, Retired Players, Hard Working Players, Unemployed, Struggling, Quick Picks, Chosen Numbers, One Ticket, Multiple Tickets..... Just the way it should be!!! Absolutely no complaints or whinning here. Except of course, when's my time? hahaha
www.megamillions.com/winners-gallery
I am willing to wager the next winner will NOT be a resident of
CA,,,,I am going to vote for Texas !!!
Kinda what I was thinking. LOL.
About $100,000,000 in the bank after Federal Redistribution will be just fine for a spring time fling!
I don't think this current run will last another 4-weeks but 4-5 more draws is possible. It is on pace to break the previous annuity record with 5 more draws and a 6th draw might knock on the elusive billion dollar jackpot.
WOOHOO!!!!! Come on $1 Billion!!!!!!!!
Well those of you that don't want to think, can go back to watching the idiot box that lies to you. It's very apparent that most of the naysayers here are probably 2 time obama voters.
Go California! Show these crybabies how its done.
Boycott MM's!
That's right!! Waiting for the big one too Teddi....I think there's a certain prize threshold that if it passes, will certainly hit a Billion. I think once it passes the $600 million + draw and no one wins, it will definitely hit the Billion mark. That's when we'd see what a real buying frenzy looks like!!
Yes Dp.....that would look very nice in my account !!!! Only "fling"ing I would be doing is dropping a few large dollars on a gratuity for a meal tab, 2 new vehicles and vacation expenses
I will win the this jackpot!!!! I know it. When I win it, there will no excessive, no extravagant and no arrogant lifestyle on my part. I will be responsible, kind and always try to make wise decisions with my money. This approach will help bring happiness from the money but happiness must first come from my heart.
I'll wager a few bucks that the winner comes from TEXAS!!!!!!
Yeeeeee Haaaaawwwwwwww!!!!!!
I love the positive affirmation. Right on. Good luck to you!!!
I wonder which idiot box told you that every crazy conspiracy theory that pops into your head needs to get validated. Don't get your panties in a bunch because others the rest of us won't put on a foil hat and join you Whiner-ville. I mean you do see that other states produce winners, don't you? So why ignore the factual evidence simply because you want to push forward with your conspiracy agenda? If you think it's all rigged the answer is very simple...don't play or report your 'findings' to the AG.
No need to try to insult people simply because they're crazy enough to understand a little mathematical invention called statistics.
I'll see your wager and hope U lose
Wow really!? tin foil hat, conspiracy theory!? All you have to do is look it all up! When facts are called conspiracy theories, you then need help.
So on to statistics, if the big national lotteries were TRULY random, and all that, you want to explain californias 60 million dollar PB win on march 1st shortly after winning a 400 million jackpot? I also don't buy the "theres more people" in so and so state. This ain't no way close to random.
PPL really believe California is rigging the lottery. Cant make this up. Man I'm dying laughing over here. stop it!
I think pickone4me is one of those poor souls thats sold his/her soul to the
and is still waiting for his/her winner that will never come
If I can pick 5 with megaplier, once every week, I could really care less who wins the JP, no matter how large it might be.
What's going with you dude? No really, lets talk about it. What's really wrong? I read all your post on this conspiracy issue and its clear you are bat s*** crazy. I now find it to be as funny as it is sad. Do even realize how ridiculous you sound? I think you must. I also think there is no way you actually believe that which you are writing, simply trying to get a rise out of people. Cut out the non-sense man. There are many other contructive, funny, informative ways to contribute to this post. Enough with the silliness dude.
I buy 30 million tickets. You buy 5 million tickets. Who is more likely to win?
It really doesn't get much simpler than that.
It really is that simple. I think everyone gets it, but there are folks who simply love conspiracies.
See now THAT'S a theory I can get behind. He was told he was going to win and since he hasn't it must be California's fault. That definitely makes more sense than anything he's posted thus far.
I would like oregon to get a cool million dollar winner from this drawing and it be me of course. I do not need the jackpot just a million.-weshar75
As said before, if you feel so strongly about it, present your case and corresponding evidence to the Attorney General. No one is stopping you. Maybe they can explain 8th grade math to you. I have neither the time nor the inclination.
If you're doing this simply for attention, then I truly am sorry that your life is such that this is what you have to resort to.
If you're doing this because you honestly believe it to be true, then I'm really sorry that the educational system failed you.
Either way I feel sorry for you. But I don't pity you enough to pretend to see something that isn't there. If you're this incensed and frustrated, stop playing. That'll teach them.
I'm sorry you can't see when you're being bamboozled. It's funny that you talk down to me, and insult me because I notice something that you think isn't happening. I don't care to see my money going to californians. I'd try to explain other stuff, but I think you're a lost cause.
Oh beeehave.
I think you just have to igore him from now on. There's nothing more you or anyone else can say that will seep through. I think he's way too far out to sea at this point. It is what it is Teddi. Just let it be. You tried. I tried. Many others have has well. It simply is what it is. I'm actually here laughing like crazy!!!
I've tried in the past to explain this, but this i probably the best and simplest way to put it.
How close have ya'll come to actually winning a huge jackpot?
In 2012 there was a PB JP won by someone from Iowa the next 2 winners were from other states then the next 2 JP winners were from Iowa. 3 out of 5 winners were from Iowa. Wonder if people that were not from Iowa quit playing PB then.
"I don't care to see my money going to californians."
If the jackpot winner was in the same state as you, what difference would it possibly make for you? Would you feel proud someone from your state won? They will get the money not you. Once they get the lottery money they might even move to another state or they might even move to another country.
There was a jackpot winner less than half an hour from where I live and you know what I got from the winner being in the same state as me?
Answer: Absolutely nothing.
There is no consolation prize for the jackpot winner being in the same state as you.
If I didn't win. I couldn't care less what state the winner is from.
I refuse to believe you are dead serious. Either you are laughing your butt off or are intentionally trolling. In any case, kids stay in school. Please.
So...$350 million by Tuesday?
Hopefully it passes that for friday if it rolls on tues.........just ain't like the old days anymore.
Whoops, no winner on Friday. Will focus on the Pick 6 and Pick 5, until Tuesday March 11,2014.
hahahah....My crystal ball says it rolls for Tuesday and the Friday pot for $360 Million. Too bad my crystal ball doesn't give winning numbers huh??/
Two years ago in March we had ourselves a nice size jackpot , hopefully it keeps on rolling over the next couple weeks.
Then you better tweak it because I need those numbers. LOL.
I hit 3 numbers once.
5 more rolls and we will be knocking on a billion dollar annuity.
Unless someone decides to go and crash the party with a win..