Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $800 Million for Tonight’s Drawing

Posted on November 4, 2025 by MI-Lottery

Michigan Mega Millions logoCash is still piling up in the Mega Millions jackpot which stands at $800 million for tonight’s drawing! The cash option for the jackpot is $371.7 million.

If a player wins tonight’s jackpot, it would be the largest Mega Millions jackpot won this year, and the ninth largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won. Tonight’s drawing will be the 37th drawing since the jackpot was last won June 27 when one ticket purchased in Virginia won the $348 million jackpot.

Since the Mega Millions jackpot run began July 1, Michigan Lottery players have won more than $8.5 million in prizes.

The Mega Millions jackpot was last won in Michigan in January 2021 by an Oakland County lottery club. The club won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot. That jackpot was the largest ever won in Michigan.

Lottery retailers throughout the state are selling Mega Millions tickets until 10:45 p.m. tonight. Tickets also can be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com.

Mega Millions plays may be purchased for $5 each at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com. Each wager includes a built-in multiplier that multiplies non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times to a maximum of $10 million. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Kent County Educator Wins Excellence in Education Award from the Michigan Lottery

Posted on November 4, 2025 by MI-Lottery
Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli, presents Ben Darin with his Excellence in Education check.

Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli, presents Ben Darin with his Excellence in Education check.

A Kent County educator who is known for providing students with options for a successful future has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.

The award winner, Ben Darin, is an eighth-grade Science, Flight and Space, and Green Architecture teacher at Eastern Middle School. The school is part of Forest Hills Public Schools.

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.

Winners of the weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Each winner also is featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WLUC in Marquette, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, and WWTV-TV in Traverse City. The news segment featuring Darin will air this evening.

“Mr. Darin’s story of overcoming adversity as a child and using that experience as inspiration for a career in education is truly remarkable,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “He sets a positive example for his students every day, and makes them feel included and provides them with the tools they need to be successful members of society.”

Darin said his experience in third grade inspired him to pursue a career in education.

“When I was in third grade, I was in and out of school for the second half of the year fighting brain cancer. My teacher made such an effort to make my time in the classroom feel normal and enjoyable. It ended up being my favorite year of elementary school. The care he had for his students really showed. I’ve always had a knack for explaining things to other people. Inspired by my experience in elementary school, I thought teaching would be a wonderful way to use that gift. It would also allow me to give back to society and be that positive role model for students who would be coming through my classroom.”

Darin was nominated for the award by a family member.

“Mr. Darin is an outstanding example of what a teacher should be and how his classes should be structured. As the teacher for Project Lead the Way, he encourages STEM careers but also gives options to those who may want to work in math and science careers but are more suitable for the trades. Understanding what your options are as a young adult, and having access to resources that encourage your education outside of college is something every child should have.”

Darin earned a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership from Calvin University. He has been an educator for 12 years, the last four in his current position.

Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Excellence – Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement.
  • Dedication – They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed.
  • Inspiration – Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally.
  • Leadership – They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their school or school districts.
  • Effectiveness – The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or school district.
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Holiday-Themed Games from Michigan Lottery Offer Chances to Stuff Stockings and Pockets with Cash

Posted on November 3, 2025 by MI-Lottery

Holiday Instant Games promotional imageThe holiday season is approaching, and the Michigan Lottery is celebrating with four holiday-themed instant games offering millions in prizes!

Lottery players have the opportunity to buy four different holiday-themed instant games. This season’s instant games are:

  • Holiday Colors – Each $1 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $1 up to $500, with $5.8 million in total cash prizes available. This game is available in five designs.
  • Holiday Doubler – Each $2 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $2 up to $10,000, with $9.9 million in total cash prizes available.
  • NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION – Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $300,000, with $18.5 million in total cash prizes available.
  • 25 Days of Winning – Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $500,000, with $25 million in total cash prizes available.

“Holiday instant game tickets make great gifts for the adults on your Christmas list! I am especially excited for the NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION game which is the first-ever licensed game offered by the Lottery during the holidays,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “Players wait all year for holiday-themed games, and these tickets will look great under a tree or in a stocking this season!”

In addition to offering players more than $59 million in total cash prizes, the holiday instant games also offer more than $8 million in retailer commissions.

The holidays may be a stressful time for some people, and it is best to avoid gaming activities when stressed. All Lottery players must be at least 18 years old, so Lottery tickets shouldn’t be used as gifts for minors. The Lottery reminds players: knowing your limits is always the best bet. The 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline is available to provide free, one-on-one support for players who may have a gambling problem.  For confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, players may call 1-800-GAMBLER. Chat and text options also are available through http://www.michiganlottery.com.

In 2024, Lottery players won nearly $1.8 billion playing instant games.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at retailers across the state.

The $5 NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION instant game is under license from Scientific Games, LLC, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.’ world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.

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St. Clair County Man Wins $1.35 Million Diamond Wild Time Progressive Fast Cash Progressive Jackpot

Posted on November 3, 2025 by MI-Lottery

Winning TicketA St. Clair County man is looking forward to retirement after winning a $1.35 million progressive jackpot prize playing the Diamond Wild Time Progressive Fast Cash game.

“I saw the Fast Cash jackpot was over $1 million, so I bought a ticket,” said the lucky 76-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous. “I looked the ticket over when I got home and saw a match with ‘Jackpot’ underneath, but I had to scan the ticket on the Lottery app to double check it. I was so happy and excited when the scanner confirmed my $1.35 million win!”

“Congratulations to the lucky player on his $1.35 million Fast Cash win and his upcoming retirement,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “The player won 50% of the record-breaking Fast Cash progressive jackpot, which topped $2.7 million. The jackpot is still growing and now stands at $1.7 million!”

The player bought his winning ticket at Algonac Wine & Liquor, located at 411 Michigan Street in Algonac. Algonac is about 30 miles east of Sterling Heights. He recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. With his winnings, he plans to retire.

Fast Cash games are a series of instant-win games that print from terminals at Lottery retailers. Fast Cash tickets range in price from $2 per play up to $30 per play.

Fast Cash games offer a progressive jackpot that can be won instantly. Every Fast Cash ticket gives players a chance to win all or part of the progressive jackpot.

All of the Fast Cash games feed into one jackpot, which grows with every ticket purchased. The current jackpot amount prints on each ticket, so players always know the amount of the jackpot up for grabs. The jackpot may be won at any time. As soon as the jackpot is hit, a new one starts to grow.

Available Fast Cash games are:

  • Wild Time Progressive – Each $2 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $2 up to $500 and 20 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Lucky Clover – Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $3,500 and 50 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Diamond Wild Time Progressive – Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $3,000 and 50 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Michigan Money – Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $4,500 and 50 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Detroit Lions Rush For Riches – Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $5,500 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Double Win Wild Time Progressive – Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $6,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Jackpot Slots – Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $5,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Lucky 7s – Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $4,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot.
  • Super Lucky 7s – Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $9,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot, plus $250,000.
  • Jumbo Jackpot Slots – Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $10,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot plus $250,000.
  • Extreme Green – Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $11,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot plus $250,000.
  • 5 Win Lucky Clover – Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $10,000 and 100 percent of the Fast Cash progressive jackpot plus $250,000.
  • Jackpot Slots Millionaire – Each $30 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $30 up to $20,000 and 100% of the Fast Cash jackpot plus $1 million.

 Fast Cash prizes never sell out and there is no waiting for a drawing as all games are played immediately.

Fast Cash games may be purchased at retailers across the state.

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Scary Rich: $754 Million Jackpot Up for Grabs in Tonight’s Mega Millions Jackpot

Posted on October 31, 2025 by MI-Lottery

Michigan Mega Millions logoMichigan Lottery players could be in for a huge treat tonight with a $754 million Mega Millions jackpot up for grabs! The cash option for the jackpot is $352.8 million.

If a player wins tonight’s spook-tacular jackpot, it would be the largest Mega Millions jackpot won this year, and the ninth largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won. Tonight’s drawing will be the 36th drawing since the jackpot was last won June 27 when one ticket purchased in Virginia won the $348 million jackpot.

Since the Mega Millions jackpot run began July 1, Michigan Lottery players have won more than $8.1 million in prizes.

If the jackpot is won tonight, it would be the first time in Mega Millions history that the jackpot has been won on Halloween. Cashing in on a holiday is nothing new for Michigan Lottery players. On Jan. 1, 2024, The Breakfast Club lottery club won an $842.4 million Powerball jackpot.

The Mega Millions jackpot was last won in Michigan in January 2021 by an Oakland County lottery club. The club won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot. That jackpot was the largest ever won in Michigan.

Lottery retailers throughout the state are selling Mega Millions tickets until 10:45 p.m. tonight. Tickets also can be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com.

Mega Millions plays may be purchased for $5 each at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com. Each wager includes a built-in multiplier that multiplies non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times to a maximum of $10 million. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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