Cash value leaps to 5th-largest ever
Update: Top-25 cash value list updated to include current Powerball jackpot; bumps The Big Game off the list
By Todd Northrop
A rush of ticket sales for the half-billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot has prompted lottery officials to revise their estimate for the Friday night drawing to $540 million.
The all-important lump-sum cash value is now estimated to be a staggering $380 million — propelling it to the fifth-largest cash value offered by any lottery game in US history, and just a few million from becoming the third-largest of all time.
Friday's drawing will be the 35th since Mega Millions had a winner — the longest rollover stretch in the game's history. Since the last winner in March, Mega Million tickets sales have exceeded $1 billion.
Sales prior to the last drawing on Tuesday night also were higher than expected, at around $107 million. Sales were anticipated to hit $80 million.
Lottery players seeking to check the winning numbers Friday night are urged to use USA Mega (www.usamega.com). State lottery Web sites are normally sluggish or brought to a standstill during busy periods, while USA Mega normally remains responsive.
Mega Millions drawing results will be posted immediately after the 11:00 pm drawing at USA Mega. The number of winners and new jackpot will be announced after all participating states have reported their data, which normally occurs within a few hours after the drawing.
Tickets will remain on sale typically until 10:45 pm Eastern Time on Friday, although players should check with a lottery retailer in their state for the exact sales cutoff time. (Every state is different.) Players are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute.
The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 259 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are 1 in 14.7.
Mega Millions tickets cost $1 each. For an extra $1 per ticket players can purchase the Megaplier option, which multiplies any non-jackpot won by up to 5 times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn that evening.
The only state that does not offer the Megaplier is California, because state law banning fixed lottery prize amounts is not compatible with the fixed nature of the Megaplier payouts.
Lottery players can see an after-tax analysis of the current Mega Millions jackpot by visiting USA Mega's Jackpot Analysis page.
Mega Millions features nine different prize levels, ranging from $1 all the way up to the jackpot. Players can win even if they just match one number — the Mega Ball number.
Top 25 United States lottery jackpots of all time
Friday's Mega Millions jackpot currently stands as the 7th-largest lottery jackpot of all time in the United States.
- Powerball: $1.5864 billion, Jan. 13, 2016 - California, Florida, Tennessee
- Mega Millions: $656 million, Mar. 30, 2012 - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
- Mega Millions: $636 million, Dec. 17, 2013 - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $590.5 million, May 18, 2013 - Florida
- Powerball: $587.5 million, Nov. 28, 2012 - Arizona, Missouri
- Powerball: $564.1 million, Feb. 11, 2015 - North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas
- Mega Millions: $540 million, Jul. 8, 2016 - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Powerball: $448.4 million, Aug. 7, 2013 - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
- Powerball: $429.6 million, May 7, 2016 - New Jersey
- Powerball: $425.3 million, Feb. 19, 2014 - California
- Mega Millions: $414 million, Mar. 18, 2014 - Florida, Maryland
- 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: $321 million, Nov. 4, 2014 - New York
- Mega Millions: $319 million, Mar. 25, 2011 - New York
For those keeping score, the number of jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:
- Powerball: 13
- Mega Millions: 10
- 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 5th-largest cash value in U.S. history.
- Powerball: $983.5 million cash, Jan. 13, 2016 ($1.5864 billion annuity) - California, Florida, Tennessee
- 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: $381.1 million cash, Feb. 11, 2015 ($564.1 million annuity) - North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas
- Mega Millions: $380 million cash, Jul. 8, 2016 ($540 million annuity) - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Powerball: $370.9 million cash, May 18, 2013 ($590.5 million annuity) - Florida
- Mega Millions: $347.6 million cash, Dec. 17, 2013 ($636 million annuity) - California, Georgia
- Powerball: $284 million cash, May 7, 2016 ($429.6 million annuity) - New Jersey
- 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
- Mega Millions: $230.9 million cash, Mar. 18, 2014 ($414 million annuity) - Florida, Maryland
- 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
- Powerball: $201.4 million cash, Jul. 9, 2016 ($288 million annuity) - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
- Mega Millions: $197.5 million cash, Nov. 4, 2014 ($321 million annuity) - New York
- Powerball: $197.4 million cash, Sep. 30, 2015 ($310.5 million annuity) - Michigan
- Mega Millions: $194.4 million cash, Aug. 31, 2007 ($330 million annuity) - Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
- Powerball: $191.9 million cash, Mar. 2, 2016 ($291.4 million annuity) - Florida
- Mega Millions: $185 million cash, Nov. 15, 2005 ($315 million annuity) - California
The number of cash value jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:
- Powerball: 14
- Mega Millions: 11
Rock on Mega Millions $540 Million
The Powerball Cash value is at 200M. Why is it not added to the top 25 Cash list?
Thanks to Louis E. for writing to us about the current Powerball cash value being excluded from the cash value list. The cash value list has been updated to include the current Powerball cash value. In a crush to lottery nostalgia, the last Big Game cash value on the top-25 was bumped off. Two annuity Big Game jackpots still appear on the annuity list however.
This marks the first time since I've been tracking the top-25s that two current jackpots appear on the list at the same time. Great for lottery players!
Very nice, everyone out there is starting to get in the game.
I want it
i think most older people are going to the casinos and not playing the lottery so much.
A convenient bet of one dollar could make you hundreds of dollars. I think that most players will take that chance and also go to the casinos.
I see it went up. Still have 32 hours within so this lottery could get to $600 million.
I want to see what everyone has in Maddogs challenge.
It will be. No doubt in my mind.
Twice in the article it says Saturday when it should say Friday.
3 top ten all time jackpots in the first 6-7 months of this year with the possibility of a 4th by the end of next week, this is turning into a record year for PB/MM Mega-Power syndicate.
fwlawrence, Since you live in Austin,Texas you do not have far to cash in your winning ticket.
You could Private Message Todd about the,"Saturday/Friday" mistake.
Good Luck!!
Does anyone remember Mike Pace? The tuxedo wearing announcer for Power Ball. I was not playing then but I have seen him on YouTube videos.
I may have to buy a ticket, I haven't played mega in months. I plan my daily state game (rolling cash)
It will go past 600 already tomorrow.
I'm not too excited about $540 million in the lottery jackpot. With the odds at 1 in 259 million, you can have it. I'll get excited when the lottery jackpot gets to the $1 billion mark. Now, that's something to dream about.
I just have to go down to 6th St. again. However, I am moving back to Ohio at the end of the month. Unless I do win, then I will by a condo in Austin for tax purposes!
Wow. The only thing I miss about Ohio is fall and deer season.
But it is were I grew up. I do have some fond memories.
Except winter.
I get your point. Pretty hard to dream about a measly $540 million jackpot. In the meantime, I will continue to buy tickets as this jackpot marches on.
the list is redundant. the only one that matters is the current one unless you are one of the ones who won one.
I picked up an extra ticket today. We can all only hope.
I think it's quite helpful as it showcases annuity and cash values from previous jackpots. Besides, anyone who won a top 25 jackpot is probably too busy enjoying life to care whether or not a top 25 list is annoying.
i know your jesting larry but the publicity that would entail with a single billion dollar winner would be too overwhelming for anyone to absorb and handle.
Here's hoping that the Jackpot on Friday is won just a little south of there LOL!
i'm sure anyone who won one of the top 25 jackpots isn't on here observing whether they have slipped down a notch on the list. more interesting would be what percentage of winners took the cash rather than listing the amounts over and over again. we know already what the winning amounts were in the past. thus redundant.
explain drenick why is it helpful. if you win one they are going to tell you what the annuity and cash value is for that one and you can't change it. so why do the previous ones matter. the actual amount publicized every time is going to drive sales, not what place it is now in all time. i guess it is somewhat interesting to look at the list but it being "helpful" is a stretch.
So if this jackpot is won by one person, will it be the single largest lottery check ever written to one individual?
Makes me wish I lived in a state that allowed anonymity. At least it's state-tax-free here.
I live in Fresno,CA Your check will be written out for $285,000,000.00 You will still owe the IRS another 14.6%. You should check with your tax attorney about which number to multiply the 14.6% with. I think it is the cash value of $380 million
Gloria C. MacKenzie of Florida won a jackpot of $599 million all by herself. Use the Search box and find her.
"what percentage of winners took the cash" Have you viewed www.powerball.com or www.megamillions.com ? It is very rare for a winner to take the annuity. Most choose CASH.
We are overdue for a big hit in Indiana with both the MM and PB. I know just the place to get my ticket.
l'm ready to go off into way early retirement.
Do it, do it baby!
I know that you have plans on leaving the scene and then plan your life. I hope that your dreams come true.
Are you planning on vacationing before your claim your prize or after?
Yes it will be if they choose the cash option, beating the previous record of $370 by the elderly woman in Florida who was the only winner of that big PB jackpot a few years back.
Plans set in stone Music. I would take a vacation to Germany home of my Ancestors. Still have family there. I would also push my Attorneys in front of the cameras to answer any jackpot questions while I frolick with the Mrs in Europe & beyond. Attorneys love the attention, it's good for their business, let them lap it up.
The first thing I would do after receiving the money is set up the "save Tom Hiddleston foundation".....
That will be my charitable contribution to society....
Ich Liebe Deutschland. Was stationed there Oct 88-Feb 92 Nuernberg. Too tired to remember much Deutsch right now. Machen Sie Urlaub comes to mind.
May have to cross the Ohio River and play your Indiana lotteries. If I'm not mistaken Indianais #1 for Powerball JACKPOT winners.
By my estimates we are entering the 99th percentile for total sales in this game so I do not anticipate much longer before winner.........
P. S. Bought my first lotto ticket since the Powerbillions event earlier this year
of course they do. maybe a younger person shouldn't but they do. if that's the case why bother with this list showing daily the all time annuity payouts if no one ever takes the annuity. the daily article on the jackpot amount is fine but to scroll down past that list to read it is getting annoying.
.
Mr Larry3100,
I understand what you're saying.
The odds are ridiculous, and have been so, for a while.
I've been saying the best lotto would be won every month.
How? By having the Federal Gov't involved.
It would work this way:
Every week, the Feds collect $1 from each USA person. Then, at the end of the month,
a lotto is held. And bingo!
One lucky person is the winner. AND only one winner. Once you win, no more.
But, as far as not getting excited until the lotto reaches 1 billy, forget it
There'll be too doggone many winners and thus split jackpots.
That's what I think, anyway.
How do the rest of you feel about my "lotto plan"?
Mr. Groppo
Gloria's jp never made it to $599M and she took the cash sum of $370M, which is already less than this jp's $380M, not to mention that she split it with her son, so yes, if one person won this jackpot and chose the CV, he/she will receive the largest individual lottery sum in US history.
Thank You, Teddi, for your update. I hope you win this jackpot Friday night!
ONE TICKET
ONE WINNER
I'm like 90% sure that is a sole winner chooses annuity, that would be the largest annuity ever awarded. I know there was someone in Cali who choose the annuity for a 200M jackpot, and i'm pretty sure that's the current record
Anyone else get in a pool at work when it gets to be a huge number like this? I'm realistic, I don't think we will win, but we draw up a contract just in case.
As already noted, the cash value is about $9 million more than the cash prize won by Gloria McKenzie. The size of the check that gets written, and how much a single winner actually nets are still unknown. McKenzie should have netted at least $224 million. Even with a somewhat bigger (current) cash value Pennsylvania's state income tax of 3.07% (lowest in the country) would result in a net of about $218 million. Here in NY I'd be looking at about 196.
Of course the final total will probably be higher, so there's a fair chance that even after paying some state tax a single winner could still end up with more than McKenzie.
Madness!
We don't pay State income tax on lottery winnings in Pennsylvania!
They get it other ways
Gettin' my tickets later today! Good luck all!
I do not look forward to winter. My brother-in-law looks forward to deer season though!
All the best for tonight people.
I'd be more than happy with 5 of 5 for a million! Good luck people.
I predict with the power vested in me that this winner will be young and they will be the biggest single lottery prize winner ever. The Jackpot will be paid
to Arizona and the winner will be the biggest single lottery winner ever in the world of $729,000,000.00
If I win tonight:
If I lose tonight:
If i win tonight:
If i lose tonight and no one wins it:
If i lose tonight and someone wins it:
The less people who know i have hundreds of millions the better, until I claim it and put it somewhere safe.
They'll probably raise it again. Got tickets after midnight and a guy followed me in and also got tickets so i can't imagine what they'll sell today.
Does this mean anyone who fits that profile should wait a few more draws before taking a flight to Arizona to purchase their ticket?
If I win tonight:
If I lose tonight:
I'll be happy to have had a chance to win .54 Billion dollars
with $1
Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Don't wait up to see the drawing and just have a good night sleep dreaming about your reaction as you are triple checking your winning ticket... at least that is what I intend to do!
well... In it to win it ... :)
Me too
I think you speak for everyone who forked over a dollar for this jackpot....all 80 million of them.
What are the chances that somebody that already won MM or PB winning again?
Odds of someone winning either a MM or PB jackpot twice is most likely in the tens of billions to one. It has never happened and I doubt it ever will.
Interesting. Any statisticians out there that can provide the odds?
Wouldn't it be wild if Cynthia Stafford or the Tennessee Billion PB winners win again? or Marie Holmes?
Good luck to all.
Every ticket has the same chance. If any of the people who previously won PB or MM as tickets for this drawing they've got the same chance as everyone else. If you and 100 previous winners each have one ticket, then the chances of a previous winner winning again are 100 times better than your chances.
No because if you are vibrating correctly and you are in that state then it will be for you.
I remember him and I used to watch him on every drawing. These days, I get my numbers on my phone, tablet, or PC.
Are there long lines out there? I didn't play.
A while ago I had read a story about someone who won two lottery jackpots (Not MM or PB) I think they were both under a million dollars and they stated the odds of that happening was like several billions to one. PCH offers their 5k per week cash for life prize and has yet to pick a winner and the odds are 1.6 billion to one. All you see are the folks who won less than a million during their commercials.
Just got two more QP's at different locations and no lines.
If my husband and I win tonight we're going to change our names to Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Let the media and nosy-rosies try to locate us.....
Why do ever news and yahoo all say that if you take the lump sum you only are getting less than what usamega have on their site?
I'm going into hidden out of the country?
If I win
, I can't imagine I'll survive the shock
if only a million
- laughing all the way to the bank
if not-
I'll still have 4 draws
If nobody wins tonight the initial jackpot estimate for Tuesday will be $630 million.
08 19 20 55 73 *05
8-19-20-55-73/5
I don't think anyone won it tonight
If anyone did win, it was likely off a quick pick.
Three of the white balls drawn tonight came from the previous 3 drawings.
Oh look #8 on the 8th ... "Random" yea right...
Happened on the 21st also... #21 in the 5 balls...
One of my self picked tickets : 8-19-21-54-74-5.
I don't know whether i should laugh, cry or be grateful that i got some money.
So close, yet so far. Congrats!!! At least you got something.
Yo King, look at my ticket!!
03-08-13-19-23 *05
We both matched the same three numbers and won $5.00!
I will now go weep...
I have a feeling someone is gonna win it tonight.
Congrats King! I have had several of those over the past few months. It is awesome / frustrating!
No winner in California for mega million.
Good
You can read on Twitter. So far no one claim a winner.
no one doing photoshop like powerball 1.5 billion jackpot.
I'm still holding out hope that i can use it for 5 free tickets for the 640M jackpot. If someone wins tonight, i'm going to
.
Someone won
Single Winner
the jackpot change 15 million on mega million website.
Yep. I'm still holding out hope. I'm gonna
if someone wins this tonight.
Someone won.
Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Do the -,+,-
Did u use ur strategy or just random
Someone had a winning ticket sold in Indiana
I had 4 other tickets self picked and i was rushing so i just wrote down 6 numbers that weren't on any of the others.
My 4 separate QP bought 3 different days brought nothing...Just 1 number match on 1
CA lottery is reporting one winner in Indiana.
Hope it's one of my relatives (and that they're feeling generous!)
Somewhere buried in all these posts was someone from Indiana who said that state would win and that state did! Congratulations, and of course, NJ had another million dollar winner unless they were among the three that bought Megaplier to up the ante. Never did get my Indiana ticket!
That is one fat jackpot for a single winner, hope they didn't have a heart attack on comparing numbers.
congrats 2 the winner/s
may they spend wisely and enjoy themselves
I wouldn't be surprised if MM doesn't get big again for another 3-4 YEARS due to poor sales.
I guess so, but I'm being serious, I guess PB will be the game to play as it appears to be able to recover better