Nearly six months later, a $1.1 billion Mega Millions jackpot still hasn’t been claimed

**Lottery Ticket Sales and Jackpot Updates**

A Texas player claimed the $810 million Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday night. However, the earlier Mega Millions jackpot, valued at an estimated $1.128 billion, remains unclaimed. This jackpot, won on March 26, 2024, is the fifth largest in the game's history.

In New Jersey, where the billion-dollar prize was won, winners have up to one year to claim their prize, as noted by Jackpocket. While New Jersey allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, they must present proper identification when claiming their prize.

The second Mega Millions jackpot of the year was won by an Illinois player on June 4, amounting to $552 million.

**Details on the Unclaimed Jackpot**

If a Mega Millions jackpot goes unclaimed, the funds contributed by each participating state are returned. These unclaimed prize funds typically stay within the state's lottery fund, supporting various public services. In New Jersey, lottery sales contribute to retirement funds for public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

**Recent Drawings and Future Prospects**

After the recent $810 million win, the Mega Millions jackpot has reset to $20 million. The winning numbers from Tuesday's drawing were 1, 2, 16, 24, and 66, with the Mega Ball being 6. The winning ticket was purchased at Murphy USA 8848 in Sugar Land, Texas. The jackpot winner has the option of a $409.3 million cash payout.

In addition, four players from California, Florida, New York, and Washington each won $1 million by matching all five white ball numbers in the latest drawing.

The next Mega Millions drawing on Friday, September 13, will offer a jackpot of $20 million. Historically, seven Mega Millions jackpots have been won on Friday the 13th. If won, the jackpot could yield a $10.1 million cash prize.

**Top Mega Millions Jackpots**

As of September 10, here are the top ten Mega Millions jackpots:

1. $1.602 billion - August 8, 2023 (Florida)

2. $1.537 billion - October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)

3. $1.348 billion - January 13, 2023 (Maine)

4. $1.337 billion - July 29, 2022 (Illinois)

5. $1.128 billion - March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)

6. $1.050 billion - January 22, 2021 (Michigan)

7. $810 million - September 10, 2024 (Texas)

8. $656 million - March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)

9. $648 million - December 17, 2013 (California, Georgia)

10. $552 million - June 4, 2024 (Illinois)

**How to Play Mega Millions**

To purchase a Mega Millions ticket, visit a local convenience store, gas station, or grocery store. In some states, tickets can also be bought online. 

Players select six numbers: five white balls (1 to 70) and one gold Mega Ball (1 to 25). For a random selection, you can use the "Quick Pick" or "Easy Pick" option.

For an additional $1, players can add the "Megaplier," which can increase non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. The Megaplier is drawn separately from the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesdays and Fridays.

**Where to Buy Tickets**

Tickets can be purchased in person at various locations, including gas stations and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets. Online purchases are available through Jackpocket, which operates in several states and territories, allowing users to select numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings via their mobile devices or computers.