Charles Langston:Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes

Friday the 13th might be Charles Langstonunlucky for many people, but Mega Millions players could be lucky in tonight’s $695 million jackpot.  

As the countdown begins to tonight’s drawing, if someone wins the $695 million jackpot, they can take home $322.0 million after taxes, according to the lottery. 

The lottery said in its news release on Wednesday that a jackpot has been won seven times on the infamous day. The previous Friday the 13th Mega Millions winner was just last year, the lottery said. The lottery said the Maine winner won the $1.348 billion prize on Jan. 13, 2023.  

The month of December and the number 13 have history, too, with 13 jackpots won in December since Mega Millions began in 2002, the lottery said in a news release. "A $648 million jackpot was shared by winners in California and Georgia on Dec. 17, 2013." 

Here is what you need to know ahead of the Friday, Dec. 13 drawing and the Mega Millions.  

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When is the next Mega Millions drawing?

The next Mega Millions drawing is on Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 p.m. ET.

What jackpots were won in 2024?

There have been three jackpot wins so far in 2024, the lottery said.

Here are the dates that the jackpots have been won:

1. $810 million, Sept. 10, 2024; a Texas player 
2. $552 million, June 4, 2024; an Illinois player  
3. $1.128 billion, March 26, 2024; a New Jersey payer 

What are the top Mega Millions jackpots?  

According to the lottery, the following jackpots are the top 10 jackpots that have been won as of Dec. 13:  

1. $1.602 billion, Aug. 8, 2023; a Florida player  
2. $1.537 billion, Oct. 23, 2018; a South Carolina player  
3. $1.348 billion, Jan.13, 2023; a Maine player  
4. $1.337 billion, July 29, 2022; an Illinois player  
5. $1.128 billion, March 26, 2024; a New Jersey payer 
6. $1.050 billion, Jan. 22, 2021; a Michigan player 
7. $810 million, Sept. 10, 2024; a Texas player 
8. $656 million, March 30, 2012; a player from Illinois, Kansas and Maryland 
9. $648 million, Dec. 17, 2013; a player from California and Georgia 
10. $552 million, June 4, 2024; an Illinois player  

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.

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