TRENTON (Dec. 28, 2024) – Jackpots are never made to last. A California ticket late Friday night matched all five white balls and the gold Mega ball to win the Mega Millions jackpot of $1.22 billion.

The winning numbers for the fifth largest jackpot in game history were 03, 07, 37, 49, 55. The gold Mega ball was 06, and the Megaplier was 03.The cash value of the prize is $549.7 million. The jackpot resets to about $20 million for Tuesday’s New Year’s Eve drawing.

There was some good news for New Jersey players. One player won $30,000 by matching four white balls, one gold ball and the Megaplier. Nine players each won $10,000 by matching four white balls and one gold ball. Retailer information wasn’t immediately available.

“Congratulations to the California player,” New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey said. “The run-up to the jackpot made for an extra exciting holiday season. I’m also thrilled for all the New Jersey players who are celebrating their wins!”

Before Friday night, the Mega Millions jackpot had only been hit just three times in 2024, the fewest wins in any single year since the game began in 2002.

The largest Mega Millions jackpots in game history are:

• $1.602 billion: Aug. 8, 2023, 1 winning ticket in Florida.
• $1.537 billion: Oct. 23, 2018, 1 winning ticket in South Carolina.
• $1.348 billion: Jan. 13, 2023, 1 winning ticket in Maine.
• $1.337 billion: July 29, 2022. 1 winning ticket in Illinois.
• $1.22 billion: Dec. 27, 2024. 1 winning ticket in California.
• $1.128 billion: March 26, 2024, 1 winning ticket in New Jersey.
• $1.050 billion: Jan. 22, 2021, 1 winning ticket in Michigan.
• $810 million: Sept. 10, 2024, 1 winning ticket in Texas.
• $656 million: March 30, 2012, 3 winning tickets in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland.
• $648 million: Dec. 17, 2013, 2 winning tickets in California and Georgia.

The next drawing is 11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. All New Jersey Lottery Mega Millions tickets must be purchased before 10:45 p.m. to participate in the drawing. Mega Millions tickets cost two dollars; by adding the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per play, players can increase their non-jackpot winnings up to five times. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 47 participating U.S. jurisdictions. Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays.