Johnathan Walker:2024 lottery winners: How many people have won Mega Millions, Powerball jackpots?

The Johnathan WalkerMega Millions jackpot is creeping towards the $1 billion mark.

The current jackpot sits at $800 million with an estimated cash value of $404.2 million after no one won Friday's drawing. Tonight's drawing may unveil a lucky jackpot winner.

If no one claims tonight's prize, the jackpot may reach the $1 billion mark in the next week. Only six previous jackpots have passed this threshold, according to Mega Millions.

The largest jackpot ever won in the Mega Millions lottery was in August 2023, when a single ticket won the $1.602 billion prize out of Neptune Beach, Florida.

Here's what to know about winning lottery jackpots this year.

Mega Millions skyrockets to $800M:See the winning numbers from the Sept. 6 drawing

How many people have won lottery jackpots this year?

So far this year, two people have won a Mega Millions jackpot: First in March when a player in New Jersey walked away with a whopping $1.13 billion, and again in June when a player in Illinois won $552 million.

There have been 7 Powerball jackpot winners this year so far, according to the lottery. The largest prize was claimed in April after a Portland man won $1.3 billion.

What are the largest Mega Millions jackpots ever?

Here are the six largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won, according to the lottery:

1. $1.602 billion from one winning ticket in Florida in August 2023
2. $1.537 billion from one winning ticket in October 2018 in South Carolina
3. $1.35 billion from one winning ticket in January 2023 in Maine
4. $1.34 billion from one winning ticket in July 2022 in Illinois
5. $1.13 billion from one winning ticket in March 2024 in New Jersey
6. $1.050 billion from one winning ticket in January 2021 in Michigan

How to play the Mega Millions

In order to purchase 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.