Although Halloween is still over a month away. This week’s full moon on a Friday the 13th will unofficially mark the start of the spooky season for many Michigan Lottery players. But, there is no reason to be startled by this day.
Even though the timing may seem creepy, this Friday the 13th of September 2019 is just an astrological oddball. According to selenology records, this is the first full moon visible across the United States on a Friday the 13th since October 13, 2000. And, the next one isn’t expected for another 30 years. That’s until on Friday, August 13, 2049.
However, Friday the thirteenth is especially a lucky draw day for Michigan Lottery Mega Millions players. On several occasions, the game has drawn a big winner on a Friday the 13th. And, since 2003, players have pocketed over $176 million in jackpots on a Friday the 13th drawings.
As many as Four Michigan Lottery players have won a Mega Millions jackpot on supposedly the unluckiest of days. For instance, the most recent jackpot winner, Kevin Blake, of Waterford, shared a $42 million jackpot with a Rhode Island player on Friday, October 13, 2017.
Blake received $21 million jackpot as a one-time lump sum of about $13.1 million, rather than annuity payments for the full amount. After-tax withholdings, he received about $9.3 million.
Other Friday the 13th Mega Millions winners
In addition to the jackpot prizes, 32 lucky Mega Millions players have won prizes ranging from $10,000 up to $1 million on Friday the 13th.
Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2. For an additional $1 per play, players have the opportunity to add a “Megaplier” that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times.
So, Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot is $172 million. Players may purchase tickets for the drawing online at MichiganLottery.com and at the Lottery’s 10,500 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m. Friday.
