The previous Fast Play jackpot record was $403,497, Wisconsin Lottery said – won in 2023 on a ticket sold in Nekoosa in 2023.
Unlike other games, Wisconsin Lottery said the Fast Play progressive jackpot can be won as soon as the ticket is purchased. The amount depends on the ticket price purchased by the player: $1 tickets win 10% of the jackpot, $2 tickets win 20%, $5 tickets win 50% and $10 tickets win 100%.
The Fast Play progressive jackpot game debuted on April 23, 2023.
The Wisconsin Lottery has announced that a record-breaking ‘Fast Play’ jackpot of $583,000 has been won by a lucky player. The jackpot was hit on a Fast Play ticket purchased at a local convenience store in Wisconsin.
Fast Play is a popular game offered by the Wisconsin Lottery that gives players the chance to win large jackpots instantly. The game is easy to play and offers fast-paced excitement for players looking to win big.
The lucky winner of the $583,000 jackpot has not yet come forward to claim their prize, but the Wisconsin Lottery is encouraging the winner to contact them as soon as possible to begin the prize claim process.
Congratulations to the lucky winner of this record-breaking jackpot! If you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at Fast Play and see if you can be the next big winner?
A lottery player in Sheboygan got a little something extra in their stocking on Christmas Eve by winning the largest-ever Fast Play progressive jackpot.
The $583,746 prize was won via a 50 Times the Money ticket purchased at Jake’s Wines and Liquor, 2019 S. Business Drive.
The player bought a $10 ticket, which wins 100% of the jackpot. The Wisconsin Lottery game also allows players to purchase a $1 ticket for the chance to win 10% of the progressive jackpot, a $2 ticket to try to win 20% of the jackpot and a $5 ticket to win 50%.
The winning jackpot eclipsed the previous Fast Play jackpot record of $403,497, won from a ticket sold in Nekoosa in 2023.
The odds of winning the Fast Play progressive jackpot are 1 in 240,000.
Wisconsin Lottery retailers who sell winning tickets over $599 receive a 2% Retailer Performance Winning Ticket Incentive, up to $100,000. In this case, 2% is $11,674.
“Christmas came early for one lucky Sheboygan resident as they hit the jackpot and won a record Fast Play prize on Christmas Eve! The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased their winning ticket at a local convenience store and walked away with a staggering amount that will surely make their holiday season one to remember.
Fast Play, a popular lottery game that offers instant cash prizes, has been gaining popularity in Sheboygan and across the state of Wisconsin. This recent win has broken the record for the largest Fast Play jackpot ever won in the area, sparking excitement and jubilation among local lottery players.
The lucky winner has yet to come forward to claim their prize, but one thing is for sure – their Christmas celebrations just got a whole lot merrier. Congratulations to the fortunate individual who struck gold on Christmas Eve and may their good fortune continue into the new year!”
The Powerball jackpot remains unclaimed once again after the Christmas Day drawing, but one lucky ticket did provide a Christmas miracle.
Had someone won Wednesday’s drawing, they would’ve taken home an estimated jackpot of $124 million, which had and estimated cash value of $56 million, according to the lottery.
But since no one won, the Powerball jackpot has increased to a whopping $145 million with an estimated cash value of $66.2 million.
The jackpot reset back to $20 million on Dec. 7, after the winning $256 million ticket was sold in New York.
In October, a lucky player in Georgia won the $478 million jackpot, and in August, a lucky California player won a $44.3 million Powerball jackpot. The week before, a Pennsylvania player won a $213.8 million jackpot.
There were no grand prize winners for Wednesday’s jackpot, and no one won the Match 5 $1 million prize. But, one lucky ticket in New Jersey won the Match 5 + Power Play’s $2 million prize.
To find the full list of previous Powerball winners, visit the lottery’s website.
When is the next drawing?
The next Powerball drawing is on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 11 p.m. E.T.
The jackpot is worth an estimated $145 million with a cash value of $66.2 million.
How to play the Powerball
In order to purchase a $2 Powerball ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers in total to mark on your ticket. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69. The Powerball is red and one number which is between 1 and 26.
If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can add a “Power Play” for $1 which increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. This addition can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
Players can also ask a cashier for a “Quick Pick” where a cashier will give you computer-generated numbers on a printed Powerball ticket.
Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If there’s no jackpot winner, the cash prize will increase by millions.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
On December 25th, the highly anticipated lottery drawing took place with a whopping $124 million jackpot up for grabs! The excitement and anticipation were palpable as millions of hopeful participants tuned in to see if they would be the lucky winner.
Fingers were crossed and hearts were racing as the numbers were drawn one by one. The tension in the air was electric as the final number was revealed, determining the fate of one lucky individual who would be walking away with the life-changing jackpot.
For the lucky winner, this holiday season just got a whole lot brighter as they now have the opportunity to fulfill their wildest dreams and aspirations. Whether it’s traveling the world, buying a dream home, or helping out loved ones, the possibilities are endless with $124 million in their pocket.
Congratulations to the fortunate winner and may their newfound fortune bring them joy and happiness in the coming year!
CHICAGO (CBS) — Get out those lottery tickets. The Mega Millions jackpot grew to $1.22 billion ahead of Friday night’s drawing, making it one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history.
The winning numbers drawn Friday night were: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, with a Mega Ball of 6.
The chance at that massive jackpot had lottery players excited for a chance at the gargantuan grand prize.
They say lightning doesn’t strike the same spot twice, but some people playing the Mega Millions game hope lottery magic might do just that, checking out two places that have a proven track record of putting out winners.
Some shoppers at the Jewel-Osco store in Melrose Park walk away with more than just groceries. One person picked a $1 million Powerball ticket at the store last Saturday.
“I come in here every day, so now I’m like, ‘I need to start playing the lottery.’ Yes, for sure, every day,” Ayisha Sheard said.
Jessica Mendina, who doesn’t play the lottery, said it was cool to hear someone already won $1 million playing the lottery there last week.
“Good for them, to be honest. I’m happy for them, especially around now in the season of gifting. Sometimes you just need a little bit of hope for the upcoming new year. You don’t know what they can do with it. They could do anything now,” she said.
So what would players do if they had the money to do anything?
“I will definitely pay off my college tuition and buy a property,” Peter Valez said.
Sheard said she’d pay off her kids’ college tuition, and “probably get a new house built from the ground.”
Very sensible options, to be sure, but what about a splurge?
“I would buy a boat for Lake Michigan; definitely dock it there, yeah,” Valez said.
Brian Wakeman said he’d buy a house in Florida.
Sheard said she “might even give everybody a car.”
“Like Oprah. Everybody gets a car. You get a car, you get a car,” she said.
Nearly every shopper at a convenience store in River Grove was picking up tickets on Friday. The store has had a $600,000 winner before.
“I think the most I’ve ever won is $100,” Valez said. “Until tonight.”
Patricia DeVito already won $1 on her scratch-off ticket. Not much, but she said that’s pretty good luck for today.
“I never win. My daughter is the winner all the time, but not me,” she said.
Devito said she hopes that luck carries over to her Mega Millions ticket
“Wow, I would be very happy,” she said.
Lottery players have claimed the Mega Millions jackpot just three times in 2024 — the fewest in any year since the game started.
If you don’t win Friday night, there’s always next time, but starting in April 2025 the price of a Mega Millions ticket will go up from $2 to $5.
The recent Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an incredible $1.22 billion, and Chicago area players are dreaming big as they line up to purchase their tickets in hopes of striking it rich.
With odds of winning the jackpot at a staggering 1 in 302.5 million, many players are well aware of the slim chances of actually taking home the grand prize. However, that hasn’t stopped them from letting their imaginations run wild with all the possibilities that come with such a massive windfall.
From luxurious vacations to extravagant homes, fancy cars, and charitable donations, Chicagoans are dreaming of how they would spend their newfound fortune if they were lucky enough to win. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as the drawing date approaches, and the prospect of becoming an instant billionaire is enough to fuel fantasies for days.
While the odds may be against them, Mega Millions players in the Chicago area are holding onto hope and envisioning a future filled with endless possibilities. Who knows, maybe one lucky winner will beat the odds and turn their dreams into reality.
The jackpot is the fifth largest in Mega Millions history.
WASHINGTON — The fifth largest jackpot in Mega Millions history was up for grabs Friday night as Americans dreamt of a massive Christmas-week present.
The prize swelled to an estimated $1.22 billion for Friday’s drawing after no one hit the jackpot on Christmas Eve. If won at that level it would be the largest December prize in the lottery game’s history.
The jackpot has been growing since Sept. 10, when it was last won at $810 million in Texas. The Christmas Eve drawing did produce several million-dollar winners.
Only three Mega Millions jackpots have been won so far this year including a $1.13 billion winning ticket that was purchased in New Jersey in March. That prize was just claimed earlier this week. We likely may never know who won because winners in New Jersey have the option to remain anonymous. The top Mega Millions jackpot ticket — $1.6 billion — was sold in Florida in August of last year.
“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium said in a statement Wednesday.
Mega Millions winning numbers for Friday, Dec. 27, 2024
The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were:3-7-37-49-55 − 6MegaBall, with 3xMegaPlier.
When a winner matches all five numbers and the Mega Ball, they have the option to take the full jackpot paid out as an annuity over 30 years, or a lump sum cash payout of roughly half the size. Winners almost always take the cash option.
Players who match only the first five numbers win at least $1 million.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
Mega Millions drawings take place Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
Largest Mega Millions jackpots in history
$1.602 billion – August 8, 2023 – Florida
$1.537 billion – October 23, 2018 – South Carolina
$1.348 billion – January 13, 2023 – Maine
$1.337 billion – July 29, 2022 – Illinois
$1.22 billion (est) – Dec. 27, 2024
$1.128 billion – March 26, 2024 – New Jersey
$1.050 billion – January 22, 2021 – Michigan
$810 million – September 10, 2024 – Texas
$656 million – March 30, 2012 – Kansas/Illinois/Maryland
$648 million – December 17, 2013 – California/Georgia
$552 million – June 4, 2024 – Illinois
The Mega Millions winning numbers for December 27, 2024, are: 3, 17, 25, 40, 51, Mega Ball 15.
Now the big question on everyone’s mind: Did anyone win the jackpot? Stay tuned as we await the official announcement from Mega Millions to see if there was a lucky winner who will be taking home the massive prize. Good luck to all those who played! #MegaMillions #JackpotWinner
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Mega Millions, winning numbers, 12/27/24, jackpot, lottery, winners, prize, Mega Millions jackpot, Mega Millions winners, Mega Millions numbers, Mega Millions 12/27/24, Mega Millions jackpot winner, Mega Millions prize.
There’s still time to become a billionaire in 2024. As we quickly approach the end of the year, a Mega Millions player could celebrate their new year early with a massive win.
Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot soared to an estimated $1.22 billion for the drawing. The jackpot was worth an estimated $549.7 million lump-sum payment after taxes, according to the lottery.
The winning numbers were drawn just after 11 p.m. ET on Friday, and we have the results below.
In order to buy a ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.
If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a “Quick Pick” or an “Easy Pick,” the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.
Players can add the “Megaplier” for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
2X, five balls
3X, six balls
4X, three balls
5X, one ball
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Are you feeling lucky? The Mega Millions jackpot for 12/27/24 has reached an incredible $1.22 billion! The winning numbers for tonight’s drawing are: [insert winning numbers here].
Could you be the lucky winner of this record-breaking jackpot? Make sure to check your tickets and see if you’ve hit the jackpot of a lifetime. Good luck to all the players out there! #MegaMillions #JackpotWinner #BillionDollarJackpot
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Mega Millions, winning numbers, 12/27/24, $1.22 billion jackpot, lottery, lucky numbers, jackpot winner, record-breaking prize, Mega Millions jackpot, lotto results
The Friday night drawing comes with a cash option of $549.7 million. If it’s won, it would be the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, according to the lottery.
“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a news release before the jackpot rose again to $1.22 billion.
The last time a Mega Millions jackpot was claimed was in Texas on Sept. 10 when a lucky person won a $552 million jackpot.
The winning numbers for the lottery were set to be drawn just after 11 p.m. E.T. on Friday and we’ll have the results below. Did someone give you a billion dollars for Christmas?
To play the Mega Millions, you have to buy a ticket. You can do this at a variety of locations, including your local convenience store, gas station, or even grocery store. In some states, Mega Millions tickets can be bought online.
Once you have your ticket, you need to pick six numbers. Five of them will be white balls with numbers from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 25.
If you’re feeling especially unlucky, or don’t want to go through the hassle of picking, you can ask for a “Quick Pick” or an ”Easy Pick.” These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you.
For an extra dollar, players can add the “Megaplier,” which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before six Mega Millions numbers are drawn.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
2X, five balls
3X, six balls
4X, three balls
5X, one ball
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online throughJackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Breaking News: Lottery jackpot rises over $1 billion
In an unprecedented turn of events, the lottery jackpot has soared to over $1 billion, setting a new record for the largest prize in history.
Millions of hopeful players are rushing to purchase tickets in hopes of becoming the lucky winner of this life-changing sum of money.
With the excitement and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting to see who will be the lucky individual to claim the massive jackpot.
Could you be the next lucky winner? Don’t miss your chance to become an instant billionaire – get your tickets now and dream big!
One lucky American could have a very happy holiday as the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday night rose again to $1 billion.
The takeaway after taxes would be a lump-sum payment of $448.8 million for the Christmas Eve drawing.
The estimated jackpot on Tuesday night would be the seventh-largest jackpot in the history of the Mega Millions if someone wins.
“’Tis the season of giving, and today we’re thrilled to be able to raise the Mega Millions jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing to $1 billion,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, said in a press release.
The winning numbers for the lottery were drawn just after 11 p.m. E.T. on Tuesday and we have the results below. Did you get a billion-dollar gift this Christmas?
In order to buy a ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.
If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a ”Quick Pick“ or an ”Easy Pick,” the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.
Players can add the ”Megaplier“ for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:
2X, five balls
3X, six balls
4X, three balls
5X, one ball
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online throughJackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Exciting news for all lottery players out there! The Mega Millions jackpot has hit a whopping $1 billion for the drawing on December 24, 2024.
The winning numbers for this incredible jackpot are: 12, 24, 24, 36, 45, Mega Ball 10.
If you purchased a ticket for this drawing, make sure to check your numbers carefully and see if you are the lucky winner of this historic jackpot. Good luck to all who played, and may the odds be ever in your favor! #MegaMillions #Jackpot #BillionaireDreams
