The MegaMillions has announced its 9th-largest draw yet: an amazing $575 million, which is all set to be drawn tonight. If there is a winner, that is. But this has been a slow year for MegaMillions, as only two tickets have matched the winning number combinations. In March, a New Jersey ticket matched the more than $1.2 billion jackpot, which is yet unclaimed, and in June, a ticket in Illinois matched the prize of $552 million, the 10th biggest jackpot prize ever.

The MegaMillions lottery has once again captured the nation's attention as it climbs into 9th place of the country's biggest prize draws in the game's history. With an estimated jackpot of $575 million, Tuesday night's drawing at 11 pm Eastern Time is set to offer one of the largest prizes the game has ever seen. The excitement surrounding this jackpot is obvious as players across the country eagerly anticipate the chance to win life-changing money.

A game of high stakes

The $575 million jackpot ranks as the ninth-largest in MegaMillions history, and it comes with a one-time cash option of about $285.5 million. Both figures are before taxes, with the winner potentially facing federal and state tax deductions. Despite the enormous prize, the odds of hitting the jackpot remain steep, standing at a daunting one in 302.5 million.

MegaMillions has had 23 successive drawings, with each drawing without any ticket that matches all six numbers - the gold Mega Ball and five white balls. This streak of no winners has only fueled the anticipation surrounding the upcoming drawing. While the odds of winning remain slim, the growing pool of ticket sales means more potential combinations are covered, slightly increasing the likelihood of a winner.

Recent wins and a slow year

This year has been relatively quiet for MegaMillions, with only two jackpots claimed so far. On March 26, there was a lone ticket in New Jersey that matched all six numbers, securing a massive $1.128 billion prize. But despite the staggering win, the ticket remains unredeemed, with the holder having up to one year to come forward and claim their prize. The second big win came on June 4, when a ticket in Illinois won a jackpot with a prize of $552 million. This prize now ranks as the 10th largest in MegaMillions history.

MegaMillions, which debuted in 1996 as The Big Game and later rebranded to its current name in 2003, has a history of producing enormous jackpots. Its longer odds compared to Powerball - approximately one in 292.2 million - have contributed to the game's reputation for generating massive jackpots. Since the year 2018, it has generated six total jackpots exceeding $1 billion, including its record-breaking $1.537 billion prize won in South Carolina in 2018.

Texas ticket on notice

While the excitement builds for Tuesday's drawing, MegaMillions officials are also issuing a reminder to players in Texas. A winning ticket from the March 19 drawing, which is worth $1 million, is approaching its end date. The ticket was purchased at the All-Season Food store, located at 3411 Antoine Drive in Houston. The ticket matched all five white balls - 24, 46, 49, 62, and 66 - but missed the Mega Ball, qualifying it for the prize of $1 million.

The winner, who has yet to come forward, did not opt for the $1 Megaplier, which would have doubled their prize to $2 million. The deadline for claiming the prize is Sunday, the 15th of September. Lottery officials urge anyone who purchased a ticket at that location to check their numbers and claim the prize before it's too late.

The MegaMillions legacy

Since its inception, MegaMillions has grown into one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Played in 45 states, plus the US Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., the game has a broad reach and a devoted following. A ticket price is $2, and many jurisdictions offer a $1 add-on called the Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes.

MegaMillions’ reputation for producing massive jackpots has only increased its popularity over the years. While Powerball holds the record for the largest jackpot in US history - a $2.04 billion prize won in 2022 by a player in California - MegaMillions has consistently delivered some of the largest lottery prizes in the world.