Mega Millions jackpot now above one billion

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – The $1.025 Mega Millions jackpot is generating a buzz throughout the nation.

The jackpot for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing has reached rare heights, ranking as the third highest in Mega Millions history and the fourth largest among all U.S. Lottery jackpots.

The largest Mega Millions prize was $1.537 billion, which was won Oct. 23, 2018 in South Carolina.

While the jackpot creates interest, the South Dakota Lottery reminds players to play responsibly.

“Jackpots like this create a lot of excitement among our players, but the South Dakota Lottery reminds players to keep the fun good,” Lottery Executive Director Norm Lingle said. “We ask all of our players to play responsibly and remember that it only takes one ticket to win.”

Revenue generated from the sale of Mega Millions goes to the state’s General Fund and Capitol Construction Fun. Since the South Dakota Lottery’s inception, lotto sales have accounted for more than $115 million to the state’s Capitol Construction Fund and more than $60 million to the State’s General Fund.

Since the Lottery began in 1987, it has provided more than $3.24 billion back to the State of South Dakota.

For more information on Mega Millions, visit https://lottery.sd.gov/games/lottogames/megamillions/.

 Top 5 Mega Millions Jackpots

Jackpot Draw Date Location Won
$1.537 billion 10/23/2018 South Carolina
$1.05 billion 1/22/2021 Michigan
  $1.025 million 7/27/2022  
$656 million 3/30/2012 Kansas, Illinois, Maryland
$648 million 12/17/2013 California, Georgia