The excitement is building as the Mega Millions jackpot has skyrocketed to an astounding $42 million for the upcoming drawing this Friday. This boost in the jackpot comes after there were no winners for the top prize on Tuesday, making lottery enthusiasts keen to try their luck again.

For this drawing, players who opt for the cash value can expect a take-home amount of around $18.8 million after taxes are deducted. The winning numbers for this eagerly awaited drawing will be revealed just after 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday—stay tuned for updates, as we’ll share the results when they are available!

This drawing follows a historic Mega Millions win of over $1 billion that occurred just a week prior, when a lucky player from California hit the jackpot on December 27. Following that monumental win, the Mega Millions prize money reset to a baseline of $20 million for Tuesday's draw.

According to lottery statistics, this year has been relatively quiet for Mega Millions, with only four jackpots awarded so far in 2024. Comparatively, the previous year recorded the lowest number of jackpots won in a calendar year since the game's inception in 2002, creating a growing anticipation as players hope for a sign of change.

Winning Numbers for January 3, 2025:

The winning numbers from the Friday, January 3 Mega Millions drawing have been revealed as follows: 20, 42, 46, 59, 69, and the Megaball is 19, with a Megaplier of 4X.

Are You the Next Winner?

Stay tuned this Saturday to see if anyone struck it rich with the Mega Millions. Check back with USA TODAY as we publish the latest updates and details about any potential winners!

How to Play Mega Millions:

Getting in on the action is simple. To play Mega Millions, you can purchase a ticket at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and even some grocery stores. In select states, you can buy tickets online, making it easier than ever to join in on the fun.

Once you have your ticket, you need to select six numbers: five from the white balls numbered 1 to 70, and one from the gold Mega Ball, which ranges from 1 to 25. If you don’t want to choose your own numbers, you can ask for a “Quick Pick” to let the computer generate the numbers randomly for you.

For an additional dollar, players can opt for the “Megaplier,” which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times, giving you even more chances to win!

Where to Buy Your Tickets:

Tickets can be found at local gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. Additionally, by using the Jackpocket app—the official digital lottery courier—you can easily purchase tickets online in several states, including New York, Texas, and Colorado. With Jackpocket, you can select your game, manage your numbers, and collect your winnings all in one place!

Don't Miss Out! The clock is ticking, and with a whopping jackpot up for grabs, your chance to strike it rich could be just a ticket away! Keep your fingers crossed and good luck!