R16.5 billion up for grabs in US Mega Millions jackpot on Friday

Someone in the US may become an instant billionaire on Friday.

The Mega Millions jackpot is nearing $1 billion ahead of the next drawing on Friday night. As of Wednesday evening, the prize has climbed to an estimated $965 million, making it the eighth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. Winners who choose the lump-sum option would take home about $445.3 million before taxes.

This will be the 40th draw since the jackpot was last claimed in June, when a $348 million ticket was sold in Virginia.

The biggest Mega Millions prize to date was $1.602 billion, won in Florida in August 2023.

The upcoming draw will be streamed live on the official Mega Millions YouTube channel.