A Texas Mega Millions Winner Just Lost Out on $3 Million

First, The Good News

Somebody in central Texas is a million-dollar winner in the latest Mega Millions drawing. It took place Tuesday night with the following winner numbers (5-35-50-51-59 and a Mega Ball of 8)

Two people in the U.S. matched all five of the non-Mega Ball numbers. One of those winners was from Texas (the other was from Pennsylvania). He or she purchased the winning ticket at this HEB located between Austin and Dripping Springs on Highway 290.

Now, The Bad News

The Texas winner did not opt to 'Megaply'. For an extra dollar, you can Megaply your two-dollar ticket. That allows you to multiply your non-jackpot winnings by up to 5 times.

Tuesday night's 'Megaplier' was 4. That means the winning HEB ticket could have been worth $4 million instead of $1 million...for just the decision to spend an extra buck.

I'm sure the person in Texas holding that winning ticket is ecstatic about winning that huge payout. But, you would think a little regret is part of the emotions knowing that an extra $3 million was there for the taking. (By the way, the Pennsylvania winner didn't Megaply either).

The Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Grow

No one matched all six numbers Tuesday night, so the $420 million jackpot will now grow to $453 million for Friday night's drawing. The estimated lump sum cash payout is $209.6 million.

As always, play these lottery games responsibly. Yes, someone will eventually win the Mega Millions jackpot, but the chance of it being you is about 1 in 302,000,000.