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Mega Millions jackpot tops $1 billion after Friday night’s drawing ends without winner

The current Mega Millions jackpot is the third largest in the lottery's history and has surpassed the $1 billion mark

DES MOINES, IOWA: No ticket hit all six numbers in Friday night's January 6 drawing, and the Mega Millions jackpot has grown to $1.1 billion. That also makes it the third-largest jackpot in the game's history, according to the latest winnings. The day also marks the fourth time in four years that the jackpot has surpassed the $1 billion mark. According to Mega Millions records, the largest prize to date is $1.537 billion, won by a South Carolina resident on October 23, 2018, and the second prize was a $1.337 billion prize won in Illinois on July 29.

The winning numbers for Friday's jackpot were 3, 20, 46, 59, 63 and the Gold Mega Ball numbers were 13. In a statement, Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald, head of the Mega Million consortium, said “We look with anticipation on the growing jackpot. We are thankful for the support of our customers and retailers, which allows each of our 47 member lotteries to generate funds for good causes within their jurisdiction. As the jackpot grows, we encourage our players to keep within their entertainment budget and enjoy this jackpot run right along with us. Someone is going to win." He adds, “Mega Millions has just reached the $1 billion mark again. It’s especially nice to see the jackpot grow throughout the holidays and into the new year.”

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What really made Mega Millions Jackpot winning prize surge?

Since October 14, last year, there have been 24 consecutive drawings and there has been no grand prize winner. This is the reason that led to the ballooning of the jackpot money. Another reason that contributes to the winless streak is its long odds of 1 in 302.6 million. According to Elijah Kouza, assistant manager of Buscemi’s convenience store in Livonia, Michigan, the Mega Millions jackpot attracted several customers before Friday’s night draw, according to ABC News. He estimates that sales will go up by 20 to 25 times than usual, also because the $ 940 million prize was highly advertised at the store. “It’s kind of hilarious to me, because if it’s like $100 million, people are like, "Nah.’ They’ll pass,” he said.

As per Mega Millions, the next draw is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, which is played in 45 states, including Washington, DC, and the US Virgin Islands.