Mega Millions Jackpot Tops $242M; Highest Since May
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The jackpot for tonight's multi-state Mega Millions lottery draw is $242 million, the most since May.
Tonight's draw, set for just before 8 p.m., will be the 15th since the last time a ticket with all six numbers was sold. Ticket sales end at 7:45 p.m.
The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number is 1 in 175,711,536, according to the Mega Millions website.
Mathematicians have long said there is no advantage to purchasing a ticket at an outlet where previous big-money winning tickets have been sold.
The odds of a big-money winning ticket sold at a particular outlet is wholly dependent on the number of tickets sold there.
California Lottery officials reminded the public that borrowing money to play the lottery, spending above a person's budget or using money intended for other purposes ultimately can lead to significant problems for players and their families.
People with gambling problems or knowing individuals with gambling problems are advised to call the Problem Gambling Help Line, (800) Gambler.
The Mega Millions game is played in 41 states and the District of Columbia.
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