Mega Millions Soars to $862M, Five Win $1M Each

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached a jaw-dropping $862 million for Friday's draw, promising a potential early Christmas present for one lucky player.

Key Takeaways:

• Mega Millions jackpot estimated at $862 million for Friday's draw
• Five players won $1 million each in Match 5
• Next draw on Christmas Eve with estimated $944 million jackpot

The holiday season just got a lot more exciting for lottery enthusiasts across the United States. Friday's Mega Millions drawing, held just five days before Christmas, offered a staggering estimated jackpot of $862 million. This enormous sum translates to a lump-sum payment of approximately $392.1 million after taxes, according to lottery officials.

The winning numbers for the December 20 draw were revealed shortly after 11 p.m. ET. They are 2, 20, 51, 56, 67, with the gold Mega Ball being 19. The Megaplier for this draw was 2X, potentially doubling non-jackpot prizes for players who opted for this feature.

While the grand prize remained unclaimed, the draw wasn't without its winners. Five fortunate players matched all five white balls, securing $1 million each. These winners hailed from Arkansas (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), and Pennsylvania (1), showcasing how widespread the excitement of a major lottery draw can be.

With no jackpot winner, the prize pool continues to grow. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – with the jackpot estimated to reach an even more tempting $944 million.

This substantial jackpot follows a trend of large prizes in recent Mega Millions history. In March, a player from New Jersey won a colossal $1.1 billion, though interestingly, that prize remains unclaimed. It's not unprecedented for such large sums to go uncollected, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the lottery world.

For those looking to try their luck, Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at various locations including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, online ticket purchases are also available. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the gold Mega Ball. Those feeling less decisive can opt for a 'Quick Pick' or 'Easy Pick', letting the computer randomly generate their numbers.

As the jackpot continues to climb, lottery fever is likely to intensify. Whether it's the dream of financial freedom or simply the thrill of participation, the Mega Millions draw continues to capture the imagination of millions across the nation.