The Florida Lottery is giving the Sunshine State an early—and massive—dose of holiday cheer! The Mega Millions® jackpot has climbed to an estimated $980 million, landing just in time to make this holiday season potentially the most magical one ever for a fortunate player.
The staggering prize has been steadily rolling since it was last claimed on June 27. Now, at nearly a billion dollars, it ranks among the largest jackpots in Mega Millions history. Floridians are dreaming big, especially after the last time a ticket in the state hit the Mega Millions top prize was on August 8, 2023, for a whopping $794.2 million.
“The holidays are the perfect time to give back,” said Secretary John F. Davis. “Each Mega Millions ticket bought in Florida gives back to education through contributions to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. That’s a true gift that keeps on giving.”
This record-setting jackpot surpasses last year’s December 20 drawing of $862 million, cementing this as a season of unprecedented excitement for players across Florida.
How to Play and Give Back
- Cost and Availability: Mega Millions tickets cost $5 per play and can be purchased at over 13,500 retailers statewide.
- Deadline: Players must purchase tickets by 10:00 p.m. ET on draw nights for that evening’s drawing.
- The Drawing: The next Mega Millions drawing will be held tonight at 11 PM.
- How to Play: Select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24, or opt for a Quick Pick for randomly generated numbers.
READ: $10 Ticket, $2 Million Win: Florida Man Hits Big On Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket SILVER STREAK
Fueling Education in Florida
Beyond the chance at a life-changing prize, every ticket sold in Florida contributes directly to the state’s education system. Since 1988, the Florida Lottery has generated more than $49 billion to enhance education. This includes crucial support for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has helped over one million students realize their academic goals.
The Florida Lottery encourages everyone to play and gift responsibly, reminding players that “it only takes one ticket to dream big!”
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