Record-Breaking $1 Billion Jackpot Ahead of Christmas Eve Drawing

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an unprecedented $1 billion ahead of its Christmas Eve drawing.

This marks the seventh time the jackpot has hit the billion-dollar mark, with the lottery game announcing the news on Tuesday afternoon.

The massive prize would translate to $448.8 million in cash, making it a life-changing windfall for the lucky winner.

Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, said: “‘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. The dream of that sum of money is just so much fun to think about, especially around the holidays, when there’s already a sense of magic in the air. Can you imagine going to bed and then waking up on December 25, checking your ticket and realizing you just won a $1 billion jackpot?”

The jackpot has been growing since September 10, when an $810 million prize was won with a ticket sold in Texas.

Each Mega Millions ticket costs a minimum of $2, and the game is played in 45 states, including Indiana, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A previous winner from Florida took home the largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot of $1.602 billion on August 8, 2023.