The Mega Millions jackpot has soared $244 million past its previous record of $656 million, set on March 30, 2012. The jackpot has been rolling since it was last won on July 24. At the same time, reaching a record $900 million for Friday’s drawing. The cash option for the jackpot is estimated to be $513 million.
This $900 million is the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever. It is also the second largest world record jackpot. In contrast, the biggest Mega Millions jackpot won in 2018 was a $543 million jackpot. It was won on July 24, by a single ticket purchased in California.
Not only was Kevin Blake of Waterford the last Michigan player to win a Mega Millions jackpot, but it was also over a year ago. Blake won half of the game’s $42 million jackpot in October 2017. The other winning ticket was purchased in Rhode Island.
Should a MI Lottery player win Friday’s $900 million jackpot, it would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in the state and the largest ever Michigan Lottery prize.
On April 22, 2005, a Port Huron couple, Ralph and Mary Stebbins, won $208 million playing Mega Millions. On Aug. 15, 2012, Donald Lawson, of Lapeer, won a $337 million Powerball jackpot. Lawson’s jackpot holds the record for the largest Lottery prize ever won in Michigan.
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.
Mega Millions tickets for Friday’s drawing may be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com and at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m.
