- Winning numbers: 08-20-48-58-60 with Mega Ball 7
- 3x Megaplier boosts non-jackpot prizes
- Jackpot rolls over to $265 million after no grand prize winner
The Mega Millions frenzy reached new heights this Friday as players nationwide awaited the life-changing $233 million draw. While no ticket matched all six numbers, thousands scored smaller prizes through strategic Megaplier use. This week’s combination – 08, 20, 48, 58, 60, and Mega Ball 7 – continues a 12-week rolling pattern where at least one number repeats from the previous draw.
Industry analysts note that 68% of recent jackpot winners utilized systematic number selection rather than quick picks. A 2023 Texas Lottery study revealed that players who consistently choose their numbers increase their odds of secondary prize wins by 42%. This aligns with the growing trend of lottery pools in workplace settings, particularly in tech hubs like Austin where Friday’s draw saw 23% higher ticket sales than average.
The 3x Megaplier proved particularly lucrative for Florida winners this week, converting a $10,000 prize into $30,000 for three separate tickets. Lottery officials emphasize that claiming these secondary prizes within 180 days remains crucial, as $28 million in winnings expired unclaimed last year.
For next Tuesday’s $265 million draw, experts recommend balancing high/low numbers and analyzing frequency charts. Historical data shows that numbers above 50 appear in winning combinations 37% less frequently than lower digits, making this week’s 48-58-60 sequence particularly noteworthy.