The Mega Millions lottery is always one of the hottest happenings among people across the United States, and now the Mega Millions jackpot rises to $251 million, making it one of the hottest topics. People started buying lottery tickets in the hope of being the lucky winner who would go home with a life-changing amount of cash.
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is one of the largest lotteries in the United States. It was started in 1996 and since then has gained notoriety for its huge jackpots. The game is played across 45 states, including Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Mega Millions jackpots often tend to grow pretty fast given the large number of participants. Every time nobody wins the jackpot, the prize gets higher, which is exactly what happened this time as the Mega Millions jackpot rises to $251 million.
How Do You Play Mega Millions?
Playing Mega Millions isn’t that complicated at all. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tickets: A single ticket is $2.
- Number Selection: Players are required to choose six numbers. The first five range between 1 and 70, while the sixth number belongs to the Mega Ball, ranging between 1 and 25.
- Drawing Days/Dates: Draws are held on two days at 11:00 pm ET, which would be Tuesdays and Fridays.
To win the jackpot in the Mega Million lotteries, you have to match all five main numbers in addition to the Mega Ball number. In case no one matches all the six numbers, the jackpot rolls over and increases, and this is how it happens that the Mega Millions jackpot rises to $251 million after several drawings without a winner.
What Happens When the Mega Millions Jackpot Rises?
When the jackpot for Mega Millions reaches $251 million, the frenzy goes on and people start buying more tickets. This means that if no one wins the next drawing, the jackpot can climb to even greater heights. A lottery jackpot grows with ticket sales, so as more tickets are purchased, it grows even faster.
What Happens if You Win?
Winning the jackpot in Mega Millions is a life-changing moment. Assuming the winner has gotten a $251 million jacked Mega Millions jackpot, there are two prize claim options:
- Lump Sum: This is an option in which the cash shall be given all at once. One thing to note under this option is that you aren’t going to get the full amount which you wouldn’t anyway because of tax reductions. So, you will probably end up with about $125 million after taxes in your bank account.
- Annuity: You receive the entire jackpot but in 30 years. Your payments will increase by 5% each year.
If the jackpot for Mega Millions goes up to $251 million and you happen to be the winner, then you will need to decide on which option is best to use.
Why Do People Get Excited When the Mega Millions Jackpot Rises?
The idea of winning such an enormous amount of money is just magic. As the Mega Millions jackpot reaches $251 million, visions start to pop up in people’s heads of what they will do with such money. Some would buy new houses, travel worldwide, and give back to their communities. To many, this jackpot means financial freedom that could change their lives forever.
Odds of Winning
It should be noted that even with the jackpot of Mega Millions topping the whopping $251 million, the odds remain the same. The probability of the correct six is something about 1 in 302.6 million.
As unlikely as it could get for one person to turn that lucky, the idea “you can’t win if you don’t play” coaxes millions into taking their chance.
For Mega Millions, they still give small prizes in case some match fewer numbers. If you didn’t win the jackpot, there is still a chance of winning smaller amounts, such as $2 to $1 million.
What to Do If You Win?
In the instance of the Mega Millions jackpot reaching $251 million and finding yourself with the winning ticket, here are some steps to take:
- Sign Your Ticket: Sign the back of your ticket, so nobody can claim it, in case you let anyone get their hands on it.
- Keep Quiet: Refrain from immediately telling a lot of people. Often, it is better to keep your win private until some time has passed and you prepare.
- Get Attorney and Financial Help: Consult with a lawyer and financial advisor before claiming the prize. They will guide you with the right decisions over money.
- Future Planning: Whatever choice you make, it will be important to plan for wise use of your money.
Recent Mega Millions History
The Mega Millions jackpot surges to $251 million since the series of drawings has not hit a winner so far. Mega Millions has given out some of the biggest prizes in the world of lottery history these last couple of years.
In 2018, it awarded a record $1.537 billion to a single winner in South Carolina–the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever. Players are at least hoping this might be the next big one with the Mega Millions jackpot rising to $251 million.
Conclusion
The bottom line, which is sure to stir the hearts of lottery enthusiasts across the nation, is that the Mega Millions jackpot rises to $251 million. Whether you’re a regular at playing or have thought of buying your first ticket, this just might be your chance at a life-changing prize.
Though slim, the odds of winning make the thrill of dreaming what you can do with that kind of money the reason people flock to buy tickets in the Mega Millions. If you play, know the rules, and play responsibly.
In all honesty, it doesn’t get much more exciting than the possibility of winning $251 million in the growing Mega Millions jackpot, since this is one of the largest lotteries in the world.
