A First for Rhode Island
The winning numbers were 2, 7, 18, 26 and 31, with Mega Ball 12. While Rhode Island had never before had a Mega Millions jackpot winner, Michigan had previously already had three wins on a Friday 13th. The latest Michigan winner bought their ticket at the 7-Eleven located at 3461 Airport Road in Waterford.
The cash value of Friday’s jackpot was $26.2 million, and both winners will now have to decide whether they wish to accept a one-off lump sum or the annuity option over the next 29 years. The deadline for coming forward to claim prizes is a year in both Michigan and Rhode Island.
Friday’s result marked the sixth time this year that the Mega Millions jackpot has been won, although it is the first time that it has been split between multiple winners in 2017. Over 1 million players picked up prizes on Friday night, including one ticket holder who matched all five main numbers without the Mega Ball to win $1 million.
Mega Millions Changes on the Way
The top prize will now reset to $15 million for Tuesday’s next draw, although the minimum jackpot will shortly be raised to $40 million when new rules come into effect at the end of the month.
Among the other changes will be larger prize amounts for several tiers and the promise of larger jackpots. The record currently stands at £656 million, which was split between three participants back in March 2012.
Players will have to select five main numbers from a pool of 70 and a Mega Ball from a choice of 25 when the changes come in on 28th October. In the meantime, fans of the game can try to win Tuesday’s big prize by choosing numbers online or visiting authorised retailers in participating states.
