The highly anticipated Mega Millions jackpot reached an estimated $579 million on Friday, December 6, promising a life-changing opportunity for players nationwide. The lump-sum cash option for the jackpot stands at $278.4 million after taxes. As excitement soared, the winning numbers were drawn just after 11 p.m. Here’s everything you need to know about the draw, the numbers, and how to play for your chance to win big.
Winning Numbers for Mega Millions on Dec. 6, 2024
The winning numbers for Friday, December 6, 2024, were:
16, 21, 33, 39, 45
Mega Ball: 24
Megaplier: 2X
Make sure to double-check your tickets, as winners will be updated on the official Mega Millions website. If you’ve struck gold, you could be the next multi-millionaire.
Past December Jackpot Wins
Since its inception in 2002, Mega Millions has awarded 13 jackpots in December. Among them, only one surpassed the current $579 million prize—an impressive $648 million shared by winners from California and Georgia on December 17, 2013. Earlier this year, a New Jersey player won a staggering $1.1 billion, though the prize remains unclaimed.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide for first-timers:
- Pick Six Numbers:
- Select five white ball numbers between 1 and 70.
- Choose one gold Mega Ball number between 1 and 25.
- Quick Pick Option:
- If you’d prefer not to pick your numbers, ask for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” and the system will generate random numbers for you.
- Add the Megaplier:
- For an additional $1, you can activate the Megaplier feature, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings by up to 5X.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at:
- Convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores across participating states.
- Select airport terminals.
- Online platforms in certain states.
Odds of Winning
While winning the jackpot is a rare event, Mega Millions offers various prize tiers, meaning you can still win smaller amounts. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million, but smaller prizes come with significantly better odds.