Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $1 Billion for Christmas Eve Drawing, Cash Option at $448.8 Million

Dec 24, 2024, 05:26 PM

The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $1 billion ahead of the Christmas Eve drawing scheduled for 11 p.m. ET. This marks the seventh time in the game's history that the jackpot has exceeded the billion-dollar threshold. If won, it would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever awarded in December and only the second win on Christmas Eve. The cash option for the jackpot is estimated at $448.8 million. The recent increase in the jackpot follows a series of drawings without a winner, with the previous estimate being $970 million. Lottery officials have noted a spike in ticket sales as the holiday approaches, with many Americans purchasing tickets in hopes of a life-changing win.