Unexpectedly Scary Facts About the Friday the 13th Mega Millions Jackpot – NBC Chicago

Friday the 13th got off to a pretty wild start for December lottery players.

Whatever you think of the spooky number 13, a strange coincidence in this week’s Mega Millions jackpot caused a stir.

That’s because the jackpot was an estimated $670 million at the start of the day on Friday the 13th, which also marks the final drawing for the game, according to the Illinois Lottery. The digits of the winning number – 6-7-0 – add up to 13.

Additionally, the current jackpot prize, which continued to increase throughout the day, actually began on Friday, September 13, 2024.

According to Mega Millions, while Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day for many, it has proven to be quite lucky for a handful of players before.

On the “day known for pervasive superstition” in Mega Millions history, seven jackpot prizes were won, including one last year.

If won, Friday’s jackpot would be the eighth won on Friday the 13th and the eighth largest prize in U.S. history.

The last Mega Millions jackpot won on a Friday the 13th was on January 13, 2023, when a huge $1.348 billion prize was won in Maine.

Earlier this year, an Illinois Lottery player won $552 million playing Mega Millions on the Illinois Lottery mobile app – the largest prize ever won by an online lottery player in the United States

During 2024, seven Illinois Lottery players have won prizes of $1 million or more using Mega Millions.

Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday evening. Tickets cost $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for a chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes.

Drawings take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 p.m. CST.

The best Mega Millions jackpots: