The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $784 million as of Saturday morning, sparking nationwide frenzy ahead of tonight’s drawing. This marks one of the largest prizes in the game’s history, with players scrambling to buy tickets before sales close.
**How to Play (and Win Big)**
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play across 47 participating jurisdictions. Players select five numbers between 1–70 and one Mega Ball number (1–25). The optional Megaplier® feature (available for an extra $1) can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x. Recent rule changes effective April 5 will introduce:
- Larger starting jackpots ($20 million minimum)
- Faster-growing secondary prizes
- Higher odds of winning any cash reward
**Where Does the Money Go?**
In states like North Carolina, 100% of lottery profits fund education initiatives, including school construction and college scholarships. Nationwide, Mega Millions has generated over $15 billion for public programs since 1996.
**Tonight’s Critical Details**
– Drawing time: 11 PM ET
– Ticket sales cutoff: Varies by state (typically 15–30 minutes before drawing)
– Watch live: Official websites or local broadcast partners
