Neil Watson
Nebraska Lottery
Lincoln, NE – December 12, 2024 – The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing for over three months. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to set spending and time limits.
A string of drawings without a jackpot winner has grown the estimated Mega Millions jackpot to its highest level since September. There have been 26 consecutive drawings since September 13 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday, December 13 drawing to $670 million or $317.8 million with the cash option selected. This is the 8th largest jackpot in the history of the game.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in August 2023 when one ticket was sold in Florida for a $1.602 billion jackpot.
Even though the next Mega Millions drawing will be held on the supposedly “unlucky” date of Friday the 13th, someone could win the big prize. Seven Mega Millions jackpots have been won on a Friday the 13th. The last time was on January 13, 2023, when a $1.348 billion prize was won in Maine.
Know Your Limit
Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to set limits and play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the Mega Millions jackpot is, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” Visit nelottery.com/knowyourlimit for more information on setting limits on your lottery play.
If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, free help is available at problemgambling.nebraska.gov.
The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. $1.003 billion has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.