Mega Millions jackpot hits $800M as New Jersey players continue hot streak
Trenton, NJ – The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $800 million ahead of Tuesday’s drawing after no player matched all six numbers over the weekend, marking the ninth-largest prize in the game’s history and the latest in a series of major lottery moments for New Jersey players.
With a cash option of $371.7 million, the jackpot has now climbed to historic levels. It’s the largest Mega Millions prize since a Monmouth County player hit a $1.128 billion jackpot in March, the sixth-highest in game history. That win remains the most recent billion-dollar hit in the Garden State.
This year alone, four Mega Millions jackpots have been claimed across the country, while New Jersey players have continued to rake in major prizes through various games. Just last month, an Ocean County ticket turned a $1 million win into $3 million with a 3X multiplier, and in June, a Bergen County player saw their $1 million prize quadruple to $4 million.
Players who don’t hit the jackpot still have the chance at boosted winnings, thanks to rule changes introduced in April that allow for a free multiplier, increasing non-jackpot prizes.
Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot has climbed to $419 million for Monday night’s drawing. Other games continue to post big payouts: a Hudson County player claimed a $1.8 million Jersey Cash 5 jackpot on Saturday, and Cash4Life has paid out a $7 million lump sum to one winner this year along with five separate $1 million prizes.
The New Jersey Lottery has reported over $34.7 billion in contributions to the state since 1970. Profits are directed to the public employee pension system under a long-term funding agreement.
Key Points
- The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $800 million, with a cash option of $371.7 million
- New Jersey continues to produce major winners across multiple lottery games
- Powerball, Pick-6, Jersey Cash 5, and Cash4Life also have high active jackpots