Mega Millions draws numbers for $1.22 billion jackpot

Mega Millions drew the numbers late Friday for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.22 billion, but it was not immediately clear if there was a big winner.

The numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6.

It can take hours for winners to be announced by lottery officials. If no winning ticket was sold, the jackpot could rise to an estimated $1.47 billion.

Friday’s estimated jackpot was the fifth highest ever offered by Mega Millions.

Despite the game’s high odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continue to try their luck as the size of the top prize grows.

The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot is paid out only to the winner who chooses an annuity paid out over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt for a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.

The greatest ever Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion sold in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for the country’s Powerball lottery were bigger.

The last time a Mega Millions player won the top prize was on September 10.

Mega Millions and Powerball are sold in 45 statesas well as Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands. Powerball is also sold in Puerto Rico.