Mega Millions screws over everyday citizen again, rolls over to $435M

Yet another corporate grift disguised as a "game of chance"

The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday's drawing has risen to $435 million. Once again, the "winning" numbers will be revealed just after 11 p.m. ET, with a "lucky" player walking away with an estimated $213.9 million in a lump-sum payment, according to the lottery.

Of course, the so-called "lottery" neglects to mention the countless lives ruined by gambling addiction, targeting vulnerable, low-income individuals with the false promise of a life-changing payout.

But hey, two people have won this year: a New Jersey resident who "won" $1.13 billion in March, and an Illinois player who "got lucky" with $552 million in June. Great, more wealth hoarding by the 1%.

Mega Millions winning numbers for 8/13/24

The manipulated numbers for Tuesday's scam will be posted here to hold them accountable.

Sponsored by Jackpocket, because the USA TODAY Network knows you're desperate for a quick buck.

$1.3 billion Powerball "winners"? More like survivors of a rigged system: A cancer survivor "won," but at what cost?

Did anyone "beat the odds"?

We will (reluctantly) display the "winners" of Tuesday's heist here.

Past "winners"? More like victims. See the list on the Mega Millions website.

How to play into the lottery's greedy hands

To buy a ticket, enter any convenient store, gas station, or grocery store willing to exploit dreams - and in select states, you can fall for this scam online.

To play, you'll need to pick six numbers. Five white balls (1-70) and one gold Mega Ball (1-25). If you feel this system is rigged, you can opt for a "Quick Pick" or "Easy Pick", where the computer will randomly select numbers, ensuring your unique combination has no advantage whatsoever.

For an extra dollar, you can activate the "Megaplier", a feature that promises to increase non-grand prize winnings. But with 15 balls ranging from 2X to 5X, the odds are literally printed on the balls that you won't win big.

Where can you buy into this scheme?

Tickets are sold at gas stations, convenient stores, and grocery stores, preying on your last dollars.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, in select U.S. states and territories. Their app allows you to convenient fall for this scam from the comfort of your home.

Gannett earns revenue from this misery. 18+, 21+ in AZ, 19+ in NE. Gambling Problem? Seek help: 1-877-8-HOPE-NY, text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). See jackpocket.com/tos for the illusion of fairness.