As Mega Millions jackpot approaches $600 million, a look at the top 10 jackpots in history

Money, money, money, money, and a lot of it is up in the air in Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing. An estimated $582 million is up for grabs, making it already the ninth-largest-ever jackpot in the history of the game.

The jackpot grew again after no one won the big prize last Friday, pushing the jackpot to the second-largest this year.

A lucky player could win an estimated $285.5 million lump-sum payment if they match all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing. Today’s drawing will be held at 11 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday night.

This is the third time a record-breaking jackpot is up this year with $1.128 billion being won by a player in New Jersey. According to officials with the Mega Millions that prize is yet to be claimed. A June 4 drawing also saw a winner in Illinois who took the $552 million jackpot.

What are the biggest-ever Mega Millions Drawings?

The 10 largest Mega Millions drawings have all happened during the last 12 years, starting when three winning tickets were sold in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland for a $656 million jackpot.

Here is a list of the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history:

• $1.602 billion on August 8, 2023, saw one winning ticket in Florida.
• $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, with one winning ticket in South Carolina.
• $1.348 billion on January 13, 2023, had one winning ticket in Maine.
• $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022, had one winner in Illinois
• $1.128 billion on March 26, 2024, with one winner in New Jersey
• $1.050 billion on January 22, 2021, saw one winner in Michigan
• $656 million on March 30, 2020, had three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
• $648 million on December 17, 2013, had two winners in California and Georgia
• $575 million on August 27, 2024
• $552 million on June 4, 2024, with one winner in Illinois

How to play the Mega Millions?

In order to buy a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.

To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.

If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.

Players can add the " Megaplier " for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

• 2X, five balls
• 3X, six balls
• 4X, three balls
• 5X, one ball

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network , in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: As Mega Millions jackpot approaches $600 million, a look at the top 10 jackpots in history