Mega-Sena Celebrates 30 Years with Record-Breaking Jackpot
In a thrilling turn of events, the Caixa Econômica Federal has announced a special draw for the 30th anniversary of the Mega-Sena, Brazil’s beloved lottery game. The prize pool for the special draw has been significantly increased to R$ 300 million, making it one of the largest jackpots in Brazilian history. The draw is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM (Brasília time).
The initial estimated prize pool of R$ 150 million, announced in April, was a significant jump from the usual prize pool. However, in a surprising twist, the Caixa increased the prize pool to R$ 200 million on May 13 and, in a further boost, to R$ 300 million on the current Saturday. This dramatic increase is a testament to the Mega-Sena’s enduring popularity and its role in generating substantial revenue for the Brazilian economy.
For those interested in participating, the rules for the special draw are straightforward. The prize pool of R$ 300 million does not accumulate, meaning that if no one wins the jackpot, the prize will be divided among those who correctly predict five numbers (quinella). If there are still no winners, the prize will be further divided among those who correctly predict four numbers (quadra), increasing the chances of a winner.
Apostas (bets) can be made until 10:00 PM (Brasília time) on May 23 through the Loterias Caixa app, the Loterias Caixa website, or at any of the country’s numerous lottery outlets. Additionally, clients of the Caixa bank can place their bets through the internet banking service.
The g1 channel will broadcast all Caixa lottery draws live, starting moments before each draw. For those who prefer to participate in the game remotely, they can do so through the Caixa lottery’s online services.
A Brief History of the Mega-Sena
The Mega-Sena was first introduced in 1996 and has since become an integral part of Brazilian popular culture. Over its 30-year history, the game has generated over R$ 115 billion in revenue, with 980 players already having received life-changing million-dollar prizes. The largest prize ever awarded in a regular Mega-Sena draw was R$ 317.8 million in October 2022.
How to Play the Mega 30 Anos
For those who want to participate in the special draw, it’s essential to understand the rules. To play, players can choose between 6 and 20 numbers from the 60 available on the lottery tickets or opt for the Surpresinha system, which randomly selects the numbers. The cost of a single bet is R$ 6. Players can also form teams (bolões) to participate in the draw.
For the first time, online bolões will be available for purchase until one hour before the draw. This innovative feature allows players to participate in the game remotely and potentially win a significant prize.
The Caixa’s decision to increase the prize pool to a record-breaking R$ 300 million is a testament to the game’s enduring popularity and its role in generating revenue for the Brazilian economy. As the country prepares for the special draw, players are eagerly anticipating the possibility of winning a life-changing prize.
Source: g1.globo.com