By: Richard L. Smith
The Mega Millions jackpot soared to over $1 billion after no winning tickets were drawn on Christmas Eve. The cash value exceeded $500 million.
This current jackpot ranks as the seventh largest in the history of the game and, if claimed, would mark the largest jackpot ever won in December.
The most recent massive win was a $1.128 billion jackpot in March, claimed in New Jersey, making it the fifth-largest in Mega Millions history.
Top Mega Millions Jackpots: 1. $1.602 billion – August 8, 2023 (Florida)
2. $1.537 billion – October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
3. $1.348 billion – January 13, 2023 (Maine)
4. $1.337 billion – July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
5. $1.128 billion – March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
6. $1.050 billion – January 22, 2021 (Michigan)
7. $1 billion – Current Jackpot
The next drawing is set for 11 p.m. on Friday.
In New Jersey, Mega Millions tickets must be purchased by 10:45 p.m. to participate in the drawing.
Tickets are priced at $2 per play, with an optional Megaplier feature available for an additional $1, increasing non-jackpot winnings by up to five times.
Mega Millions is played across 47 U.S. jurisdictions, with drawings held every Tuesday and Friday. 
As excitement builds, players across the country are eagerly anticipating the next draw, hoping to join the ranks of past billion-dollar winners.