Mega Millions Numbers have been the primary discussions every Tuesday and Friday almost in the entire land for those days are when the drawings happen. Mega Millions practice the common methods of all lotteries you have probably encountered; before 2002, the lottery is called The Big Game and at that time, it had only few States involved. The drawings are divided into two categories for white and gold balls; numbers from 1 to 56 for five white balls and 1 to 56 for one gold ball. The smallest prize is $2 with the highest jackpot ever recorded so far is $640,000,000; if in the current drawing no ticket won the jackpot, the amount of money would be added for the next turn.
As mentioned before, Mega Millions was previously called The Big Game with only 6 States playing; they are Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Georgia; the first drawing was held in September 6, 1996. In 2002, the name was replaced, and since then, the hunts for Mega Millions Numbers have involved 42 States; in total 44 jurisdictions are now playing with U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.
To come up with Mega Millions Numbers, the drawings must pass several security procedures to ensure the randomness and success results. WSB-TV studio in Atlanta, Georgia is where every drawing takes place. The followings are some common procedures before and after the drawings for Mega Millions Numbers are decided:
- Outside auditors have to check the ball sets and drawing equipments used in the process to make sure that every single ball has an equal chance of coming up as any other ball
- Pre-drawing test are held to ensure randomness
- Post-drawing is as well conducted as one important process of certification
- Two people responsible for the drawings; one from inside employee and another from an auditing firm
- All the mentioned steps are documented in video
- The drawing machines, ball sets and the entire equipments necessary are very well kept with limited access
- The drawing takes less than 60 seconds; other steps may need up to three hours
Mega Millions Numbers are posted in the official website shortly after the drawing result comes up. The winners are also posted the next day of the drawing (Wednesday and Saturday) after the winning ticket sales are verified by the company. Another way to figure out the numbers and winners is by signing up for Mega Millions Online News; the company will provide the information via email. Each state also provides a telephone number, which you can call and ask for the same information. Importantly, winners have limited period to claim for the prize; it depends on the State where participants purchase the ticket, but commonly, 180 days to 1-year period after the drawing is held will be given. All prizes won are subjects to tax; the information about this is provided in the website.
Unclaimed Mega Million Numbers, prizes, or jackpot will be used by the respective State for different purposes, which may vary in each of the States.
