So close: South Carolina Mega Millions players barely miss jackpot, now over $600 million

Although no one won the half a billion dollar jackpot, two South Carolina players did become millionaires, willing $1 and $2 million. The next drawing of the Mega Millions will be on Friday.

No one could claim the $500 million jackpot in Mega Millions Tuesday night’s drawing but two players from South Carolina walked away with seven-figure jackpots by matching five numbers in the draw.

Two new millionaires were crowned in South Carolina as both of them matched the five white balls but missed the golden Mega Ball. One of the players won $2 million as they paid an extra $1 for the Megaplier while the other player netted $1 million.

Since no grand prize winners were had on Tuesday, the Mega Millions jackpot has now increased to an estimated $627 million for the drawing on Friday, making it the ninth-largest in the game’s history. 

Friday will be the ninth time the Mega Millions drawing jackpot has surpassed $600 million since the game began in 2002. The cash option for Friday’s drawing will be an estimated $309.1 million.

The drawing on Tuesday had a total of 1,202,189 winning tickets sold across the county, with 30 of them matching four white balls in addition to the Mega Ball, winning players $10,000 each. Ten of those netted players $20,000 as they purchased the Megaplier.

What were the winning numbers on Tuesday’s Mega Millions?

The winning numbers drawn on Tuesday night were 16, 18, 21, 54, 65 with a Mega Ball of 05 and a Megaplier of 2x.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

What are the biggest-ever Mega Millions drawings?

The 10 largest Mega Millions drawings have all happened during the last 12 years, starting when three winning tickets were sold in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland for a $656 million jackpot.

Here is a list of the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history:

• $1.602 billion on August 8, 2023, saw one winning ticket in Florida.
• $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, with one winning ticket in South Carolina.
• $1.348 billion on January 13, 2023, had one winning ticket in Maine.
• $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022, had one winner in Illinois
• $1.128 billion on March 26, 2024, with one winner in New Jersey
• $1.050 billion on January 22, 2021, saw one winner in Michigan
• $656 million on March 30, 2020, had three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
• $648 million on December 17, 2013, had two winners in California and Georgia
• $627 million on August 30, 2024
• $552 million on June 4, 2024, with one winner in Illinois

How do I play the Mega Millions?

In order to buy a ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online. 

To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25. 

If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a ”Quick Pick” or an ”Easy Pick,” the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you. 

Players can add the ”Megaplier” for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

• 2X, five balls
• 3X, six balls
• 4X, three balls
• 5X, one ball

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.