The odds are now against millions as the Mega Millions jackpot hits a record-breaking $1 billion on Christmas Eve. Players in the Miami Valley and across the country are rushing to purchase lottery tickets, hoping to be among the lucky ones.
Joe Battiaglia, a frequent player at Bee-Gees Market in Kettering, plans to divide his winnings between himself and family members as gifts. He typically buys tickets twice a week, playing all possible combinations to increase his chances of winning.
Michael Slinger, owner of Bee-Gees Market, attributes the surge in ticket sales to the holiday season and the massive jackpot. “It’s a big deal for Christmas Eve,” he said. “People love to buy lottery tickets as gifts or for family get-togethers.”
However, Slinger warned that prices will increase by April 2025. Tickets currently cost $2, but they’ll jump to $5 per ticket starting then. This change means players will have fewer numbers to choose from, increasing the odds of winning and causing the jackpot to grow more quickly.
The winning numbers for the Christmas Eve drawing are: 11, 14, 38, 45, 46, and Mega Ball 3. For now, it’s unclear if any winning tickets have been sold. As the countdown begins, players can only hope their luck will change on this special night.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/brings-crowd-mega-millions-hits-025403900.html