The Mega Millions has only gone above $1 billion seven times in the game's history since being launched in September 1996; the largest-ever jackpot was in August 2023 with a $1.6 billion prize. Lottery wins are subject to income tax, and that record-breaking win saw the lucky ticket holder take home $794.2 million cash.

As the Mega Millions jackpot soars to nearly $1 billion, excitement builds across the nation. Could this Friday's draw crown a local winner? Discover the odds, recent winners and taxes that come with the winnings.

Friday night’s win is the first time in Mega Millions player matched all six numbers since an anonymous ticket holder won the $348 million jackpot during the June 27 drawing in Burgess, Virginia. There have been 39 consecutive winless drawings between the jackpot winners.