Johnathan Walker:These states have the most Mega Millions, Powerball jackpot winners

The Johnathan WalkerMega Millions jackpot is creeping towards the $1 billion mark. If no one wins the next drawing on Friday, the jackpot will exceed $1 billion, making it one of the largest jackpots in the game's history.

Only five previous jackpots have passed this threshold, according to Mega Millions.

The current jackpot sits at an estimated $977 million after no one won Tuesday's drawing, still the sixth-largest prize in the game's history. The cash option is $461 million, according to the lottery.

The largest jackpot ever won in the Mega Millions lottery was in August 2023, when a single ticket won the $1.602 billion prize out of Neptune Beach, Florida.

Map shows where lottery-winning tickets have been sold

New York state is home to the most Mega Millions jackpot winners, with 42 winning tickets sold in the Empire State. California follows with 36 winning tickets sold in-state.

The more populated states correlate to selling more Mega Millions jackpot-winning tickets.

New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, and Maryland are the only states that have had more than 10 winning tickets sold.

Eighteen states and the Virgin Islands have yet to sell a Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket.

Pennsylvania has sold 18 winning tickets for the Powerball jackpot – the most of any state. Florida follows with 16 winning tickets sold in the sunshine state.

California, New York, Indiana, New Jersey, Missouri, and Louisiana have all sold over 10 Powerball jackpot-winning tickets.

Five states/jurisdictions that participate in Powerball have yet to sell a winning ticket: Maine, Mississippi, North Dakota, the Virgin Islands, and Washington.

Picking the winning numbers:Which Mega Millions numbers haven't won in months?

Graphics:These are commonly picked lottery numbers

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: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, 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-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.