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Washington State Lottery Player Nears $50 Million Mega Millions Jackpot, Wins $2 Million
OLYMPIA, Wash. – A Mega Millions player in Washington state came tantalizingly close to winning the estimated $50 million jackpot in the drawing held Tuesday, April 22, lottery officials announced. The lucky ticket matched all five main numbers but missed the crucial “Mega Ball,” resulting in a ample consolation prize of $2 million.
The winning numbers drawn were 25, 39, 49, 52, and 65, with a Mega Ball number of 22. While no one claimed the grand prize, the near-miss in Washington contributed to a wave of smaller wins across the nation.
“The ticket hit the five main numbers, but the ‘Mega ball’ lacked to take the Grand Prix,” state lottery officials confirmed.
The near-jackpot experience highlights the allure and potential financial windfall of lottery games, even when the top prize remains elusive. According to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Mega Millions is offered in 45 states, as well as washington, D.C., and the U.S. virgin Islands.
In the wake of the April 22nd drawing, over 185,000 tickets sold across the United States were awarded prizes ranging from $2 to $30,000. The next drawing, scheduled for Friday, April 25, will feature an estimated jackpot of $60 million, with a cash option of approximately $26.9 million.
The odds of winning the Mega millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million. However, the lure of a life-changing payout continues to fuel ticket sales and generate revenue for participating states, which often allocate proceeds to education, infrastructure, and other public programs. A recent report by the Congressional Research Service indicated that state lotteries contribute billions annually to state budgets, although the exact allocation varies widely.
“The last great winner of Mega Millions was an Ohio player who took $112 million” on April 18. To win the main prize, players must correctly match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball.
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.Eastern Time. Tickets cost $2 each, and can be purchased on the day of the drawing, even though sales cutoff times vary by jurisdiction.
While the dream of winning the jackpot is a powerful motivator for manny lottery players,some critics argue that lotteries disproportionately impact low-income communities. A 2023 study by the Brookings Institution found that lottery ticket purchases are frequently enough higher in lower-income areas, raising concerns about regressive taxation and the potential for financial exploitation. Though, lottery advocates counter that participation is voluntary, and the funds generated provide crucial support for state programs.
Since its inception in 1996, Mega Millions has produced numerous substantial winners, including several billion-dollar jackpots.
Mega Millions Top Jackpots:
$1.602 billion – August 8, 2023, in Florida
$1.537 billion – October 23, 2018, in South Carolina
$1.348 billion – January 13, 2023, in Maine
$1.337 billion – July 29, 2022, in Illinois
$1.269 billion – December 27, 2024, in California
$1.128 billion – March 26, 2024, in New Jersey
$1.050 billion – January 22,2021,in Michigan
$810 million – September 10,2024,in Texas
“In case you are participating and you have the doubt if you will receive any prize in case you have any number,I will tell you that it is possible. It will only be enough that you hit a single number, but if you want to obtain the main prize, it is necessary to succeed the 5 numbers plus the mega ball.”
FAQ: mega Millions Lottery
Q: How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?
A: A Mega Millions ticket costs $2.
Q: What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
A: The odds of winning the mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million.
Q: When are the Mega Millions drawings held?
A: Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
Q: In how many states can I play Mega Millions?
A: Mega Millions is offered in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Q: What happens if there is no jackpot winner?
A: If there is no jackpot winner, the money is rolled over to the next drawing.
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