Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots had been growing since the beginning of the year, and now two chart-making jackpot runs have ended to start new cycles. Though neither jackpot was won in Missouri, our players won more than $9.1 million during the runs, including two $1 million prizes, three $100,000 prizes and 14 prizes of $50,000. Missouri education also benefitted to the tune of $21.7 million, based on sales of Powerball and Mega Millions tickets during that time.
First came a 31-drawing Mega Millions run that concluded on March 26 with a $1.13 billion jackpot winner – the fifth largest in the game’s history. That was followed by a 41-drawing Powerball run that produced a $1.326 billion jackpot winner on April 7 –the fourth-largest jackpot ever for that game.
“These simultaneous jackpot runs are exciting and fun for our players. There’s just something electrifying about anticipating the next drawing and realizing how much money a person can win, plus the increase in funds transferred for Missouri education,” said Lester Elder, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. “Not only did it raise nearly $22 million in proceeds for education and over $9 million in prizes for our players, but Missouri businesses also earned $3.3 million in commissions for selling those games.”
Winners have 180 days from the date of each drawing to claim any prizes won. Prizes of more than $600 may be claimed by appointment only at any of the Lottery’s four offices – which are located in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.
