Mega Millions jackpot 3rd largest
Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa
The Mega Millions prize was already giant, but now it’s even bigger.
Lottery officials increased the estimated jackpot for Tuesday night’s drawing from $654 million to $667 million, making it the third-largest grand prize in U.S. history.
The increase reflects a surge in ticket sales.
The record lottery jackpot was a $1.6 billion Powerball prize won in January 2016.
Although the Mega Millions prize has grown larger, the odds of winning remain the same, at a dismal one in 302.5 million.
The $667 million jackpot refers to the annuity option, paid out over 29 years. The cash option, which is favored by nearly all winners, is $380 million.
Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.