2016 Press Releases
July 5, 2016
MEGA MILLIONS® Approaches Near-Record Status for Tuesday Night’s Drawing.
$449 million for July 5; only two others have been larger.
(DOVER, DE) — The excitement for MEGA MILLIONS® continues to grow along with the jackpot, with players having an opportunity to win an estimated $449 million jackpot ($313 million cash payout) this Tuesday night, July 5. The jackpot was reached Friday evening after no ticket sold matched all six numbers drawn: 20, 41, 42, 45 and 9, plus the Mega Ball 14. This $449 million jackpot represents the largest MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot since December 2013. In fact, there have been only two other jackpots in MEGA MILLIONS® history larger than Tuesday night’s estimate prize.
With the jackpot approaching near-record status, more people deciding to take a chance and play, and substantial wins hitting closer to home, the Delaware Lottery continues to add its voice to those of lotteries across the country in urging people to play responsibly.
“The larger the jackpot grows, the more people sit up, pay attention to MEGA MILLIONS® and dream about winning,” said Vernon Kirk, director of the Delaware Lottery. “Moreover, we’re starting to see significant wins in our area — a $2 million ticket for Friday’s drawing was sold in Pennsylvania — which increases the excitement locally. The Delaware Lottery encourages everyone — from first-time players to those who have been playing since day one — to please only play within their means.”
The MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot has been rolling since it was last won in the state of Washington on March 8, 2016, at $157 million. Since that time, there have been 50 Match 5 winning tickets worth $1 million or more, and a total of $61.9 million in winning tickets at all prize levels. The two largest MEGA MILLIONS® jackpots were $656 million, shared by three winning tickets, and $648 million, shared by two tickets. The most won on a single ticket was $326 million back in November 2014.
“It’s a fun time for players and a meaningful time for lotteries as communities nationwide stand to benefit greatly from the services that can be supported through ticket sales,” said Kirk. “Still, no one wants to see those benefits come at the expense of individuals and families finding themselves suddenly struggling to live normal, comfortable and healthy lives. This is why the Delaware Lottery is so vocal in our call for people to not play beyond their means and to play only what they can absolutely afford.”
About the Delaware Lottery
Since the start of operations in 1975, the Delaware Lottery has contributed more than $4.5 billion to the state’s General Fund to help finance needed state services that benefit everyone in Delaware. The Lottery offers a variety of games: POWERBALL®, MEGA MILLIONS®, HOT LOTTO®, MULTI-WIN LOTTO, LUCKY FOR LIFE™, PLAY 3, PLAY 4, KENO®, iGaming and assorted Instant Games, Video Lottery, Sports Lottery, and Table Games. Delaware Lottery game and promotional details are available at www.delottery.com, at licensed locations and from the Lottery’s office in Dover.
Winner privacy is our policy.
The Delaware Lottery publishes winner names only with their consent.
