With no Mega Millions jackpot winners since April, the lottery’s grand prize continues to grow, now climbing to around $1.55 billion after Friday’s drawing and inching closer to more all-time records. Ahead of the next drawing on Tuesday, the Mega Millions jackpot sits at an estimated $1.55 billion with a $757.2 million cash option, which would be the largest prize in the lottery’s history if won. The jackpot has been rising since the spring, when a $20 million prize was won in Syracuse, New York on April 18. Five other Mega Millions jackpots have been won this year, including a $1.348 billion haul in January, which was the second largest prize in the lottery game’s history. The Associated Press has the story:
Mega Millions Jackpot hits $1.55 Billion, Largest in History
Newslooks- (AP)
Another Mega Millions drawing, another night without a jackpot winner. The numbers drawn Friday night were: 11, 30, 45, 52, 56 and the gold ball 20.
Because no one matched all six numbers and won the estimated $1.35 billion jackpot, the top prize increased to $1.55 billion for the next drawing Tuesday night.
There now have been 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was April 18.
The $1.55 billion prize would be for a sole winner who chooses the annuity option with payment stretched over 30 years. Most winners opt for a lump-sum payment, which would be an estimated $757.2 million on Tuesday.
A big slice of those winnings would go toward federal taxes, while many states also tax lottery payouts.
The jackpot is so hard to win because of the 1 in 302.6 million odds of matching the numbers on five white balls and a separate mega ball. The odds are better to win smaller prizes, which start at $2.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
