Michiganders flock to purchase tickets as the Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $1.22 billion, the highest in Michigan’s history.
$1.22 Billion Jackpot Could Be Michigan’s Biggest Lottery Win
With just two Mega Millions drawings left in 2024, tonight’s jackpot stands at a staggering $1.22 billion, with a cash option of approximately $549 million. The jackpot, the fifth-largest in the game’s history, is fueling lottery fever across Michigan as residents dream of a historic win.
Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli expressed excitement over the potential for a record-breaking win in Michigan. “If won, it would be the largest jackpot ever won in Michigan and life-changing for the winner and their family. Good luck to everyone who plays Mega Millions tonight,” she said.
If a Michigan player wins, it will mark the fourth Mega Millions jackpot won in 2024 and the largest ever claimed in the state, surpassing the previous $1.05 billion jackpot won in January 2021 by an Oakland County lottery club.
Michigan Players Among Big Winners in 2024
Since the jackpot run began on September 13, Michigan players have already won over $5.5 million in base-game prizes, including two million-dollar wins. Holiday drawings have historically been lucky for Michigan residents. Earlier this year, on January 1, the Breakfast Club lottery club claimed an $842.4 million Powerball jackpot after purchasing their ticket in Grand Blanc.
High Demand for Tickets Statewide
Lottery retailers across Michigan report brisk sales, with tickets available until 10:45 p.m. tonight. Online purchases are also surging through MichiganLottery.com, offering convenience for last-minute buyers.
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play, with the option to add a Megaplier for an additional $1. The Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times, offering added incentives for participants.
National Lottery Fever
The Mega Millions jackpot is attracting attention nationwide. Tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If no winner is declared tonight, the jackpot could grow even larger, making the final 2024 drawing on December 30 a record-breaking event.
Broader Context: Michigan’s Lottery Legacy
Michigan has a strong history of major lottery wins. Beyond the Oakland County win in 2021, numerous players have claimed life-changing prizes, contributing to the state’s reputation as a hotspot for lottery luck. Tonight’s drawing could solidify Michigan’s place in lottery history with a billion-dollar win to close out the year.
The first $1 million lottery winner in Michigan was in 1973, shortly after the Michigan Lottery began operations in 1972. The lucky winner, who hailed from the Detroit area, took home the top prize in the state’s inaugural lottery game. This marked the start of Michigan’s long history of creating lottery millionaires.
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