Mega Millions Jackpot Soars To $540 Million
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – A surge in ticket sales has sent the Mega Millions jackpot soaring to $540 million.
In addition, the Powerball jackpot rolled to $288 million after Wednesday night's draw. That mean both multi-state games have a combined total of $828 million!
"The excitement continues to grow statewide and across the nation for these two jackpot games," said Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. "At the Florida Lottery, our mission is to maximize revenue for education because we understand that a good education is the key to success and today's students represent tomorrow's workforce. This series of jackpot rolls for both games is expected to generate more than $56 million in revenue for Florida students and schools."
Mega Millions jackpots start at $15 million; and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-75) and the golden Mega Ball number (1-15). The odds of winning are long, about 259 million to one.
The next Mega Millions drawing is at 11 p.m. Friday.
If a winning ticket is claimed following Friday's drawing, the winner can choose to take the total jackpot in annual payments over 29 years or opt for a one-time payout of about $380 million minus taxes.
A Mega Millions drawing has not produced a grand prize winner for about four months, causing this jackpot to swell to record levels. At $540 million, it's the third biggest Mega Millions game ever and the seventh largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
The Mega Millions is very similar to Powerball but Powerball jackpots start at $40 million. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-69) and the red Powerball (1-26). The odds of winning Powerball are roughly one in 292 million.
Powerball tickets cost $2 or $3 each while Mega Millions tickets are $1 or $2. Mega Millions is played in 44 U.S. states, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.