Mega Millions resets because a jackpot has been won. When a winning ticket matches all the numbers drawn, the large, accumulating prize is claimed, and the jackpot total returns to its starting value for the next drawing.
Instances of Mega Millions Jackpot Resets
The reset of the Mega Millions jackpot typically occurs after one or more players successfully match all the required numbers, claiming the top prize. This signifies a successful culmination of the game's rollovers, where the jackpot grows larger with each drawing that doesn't produce a winner.
Here are recent examples of when the Mega Millions jackpot reset:
- September 10 Drawing: The Mega Millions jackpot reset after a single ticket sold in Texas matched all six numbers during the estimated $800 million drawing. This substantial win brought the massive jackpot run to an end, initiating a reset for subsequent drawings.
- June 4 Drawing: Previously, the Mega Millions jackpot also reset after a player in Illinois won the $560 million drawing. This earlier win similarly led to the jackpot returning to its base amount.
Understanding the Jackpot Cycle
The Mega Millions jackpot operates on a continuous cycle of growth and reset.
- Accumulation: If no one wins the jackpot in a drawing, the prize money rolls over and increases for the next drawing, often leading to increasingly large sums over time.
- Reset: Once a ticket successfully matches all the drawn numbers, the jackpot is won. Following this win, the jackpot resets to a predetermined starting amount (typically $20 million, though this can vary) for the very next drawing. This ensures the game continues with a fresh, albeit smaller, top prize for new hopefuls.
This cycle is fundamental to how large lottery games like Mega Millions function, offering players the chance to win life-changing sums while maintaining a continuous flow of new games.
