Mega Millions jackpot soars to $306 million

Get ready for a life-changing opportunity! The Mega Millions jackpot has crossed a major milestone, reaching $306 million for Friday, July 26, 2024's drawing. 

Dream big

The lucky Mega Millions winner will have the choice: take home the entire $306 million jackpot as an annuity (paid out in installments over time) or opt for a one-time cash payout of $143.8 million.

North Carolina, for example, has already seen several big winners this month. Check out these lucky players:

• $50,000: Roy Pollock from Creedmoor, NC, won at Creedmoor Family Fare #200 on July 15.
• $100,000: Daniel Brose from Advance, NC, won at Food Lion #1359 on July 15.
• $246,260: Mauris Matos from Greensboro, NC, won at Bessemer Stop on July 9.
• $569,347: Claudette Cox from Greenville, NC, won at Harris Teeter #287 on July 8.
• $50,000: Larry Burpee from Burlington, NC, won at Kwik 3 Points Groc & Grill #1 on July 5.

While you dream of mega-bucks, remember that every Mega Millions ticket purchased contributes to a great cause. The North Carolina Education Lottery uses funds raised from the game to support educational programs across the state.

Mega Millions: Not your average game

This isn't your ordinary lottery. Mega Millions boasts jackpots that can change your life forever, with nine ways to win and starting at just $2 per play. Plus, the Megaplier option lets you multiply most prizes by 2X to 5X for an extra buck – that's a serious deal!

Unlike some games, Mega Millions offers two chances a week to take home the jackpot. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday, giving you more opportunities to win the mega-mother lode.

How to play

Playing is simple. Here's how:

• Choose your numbers: Select five different numbers from 1 to 70.
• Pick your Mega Ball: Select one number from 1 to 25.
• Decide on your bet: A single play costs $2. You can also add the Megaplier for an extra $1 to increase your non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times.
• Choose your play style: You can choose your own numbers or opt for Quick Pick, where the computer randomly selects your numbers.

To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls and the Mega Ball. There are eight other ways to win prizes depending on the numbers matched.

If you want to increase your chances, you can play the same set of numbers for multiple drawings by selecting the Multi-Draw option.

Mega Millions sales stop at 10:45 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays, so grab your ticket before the drawing.

Win big? What to do next

North Carolina residents with winning tickets, here's what you need to do:

• Sign the back of your ticket. It's a bearer instrument until signed, meaning anyone holding it can claim the prize.
• Gather your documents. For prizes of $600 or more, you'll need a claim form, photo ID, and Social Security card.
• Claim your prize within 180 days. Don't wait too long – you have 180 days from the drawing date to claim your prize.

These instructions are specific to North Carolina. If you're playing from another state, visit our page for that state for more details.