Tonight’s Friday the 13th Mega Millions jackpot just got raised by $25 million and now stands at $695 million, the eighth largest in the game’s history.
A winner would have the choice of taking home the $695 million jackpot as an annuity or $322 million in cash.
While some consider it unlucky, Friday the 13th has been a lucky day for Mega Millions players with seven previous jackpots won on the day. The most recent occasion, Jan. 13, 2023, saw a $1.3 billion jackpot won, the third largest in Mega Millions history.
“As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to climb higher up the top 10 list, the excitement keeps growing too,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “We would be thrilled to see a lucky Friday the 13th win happen tonight in North Carolina.”
Even though the jackpot remains up for grabs, players are taking home lots of other prizes playing Mega Millions. Tuesday’s drawing saw over 29,000 total winners in North Carolina.
Nationally, the Mega Millions game has delivered three jackpot winners so far this year. The most recent win occurred in Texas with an $810 million jackpot on Sept. 10.
The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302 million.
Players can buy Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location or through Online Play on the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com, or with the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.
Play Smart, Gift Smart is the N.C. Education Lottery's annual campaign highlighting the risks of youth gambling. The campaign raises awareness that popular holiday scratch-offs should only be gifted to adults. In this year’s campaign, North Carolinians can donate school supplies at a lottery claim center, support a good cause, and get a chance to win a prize. Visit NCEL Play Smart for more information.