Growing jackpot is now third largest in U.S. History
FRIDAY UPDATE:The Mississippi Lottery Commissioner Friday updated the jackpot total for the Friday draw to $1.28 billion, with a cash value of $747.2 million.
(HERE’S THE ORIGINAL POST)
Fueled by the lure of an astronomical jackpot, sales for Friday night’s Mega Millions® drawing has driven the jackpot to an estimated $1.1 billion, the second largest in the game’s history.
The $1.1 billion annuitized jackpot – currently worth $648.2 million as lump sum payment – is the third highest in the history of lotteries in the United States. The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on Oct. 23, 2018.
Having trouble imagining $1 billion? Try to picture 11 tons of $100 bills, with another 46 pounds of $100 bills on the side. This jackpot is bigger $100 million larger.
Friday night’s drawing will be the thirtieth in this jackpot run, which began April 19 after the jackpot was won in Tennessee on April 15. Since that drawing, Mega Millions has generated more than 28.1 million tickets winning lesser amounts, including 42 winners of $1 million or more. Players can increase the prize amounts on non-jackpot winning tickets by adding the “Megaplier” feature for $1 per play.
Saturday’s Powerball® jackpot is $170 million, and Thursday’s Mississippi Match 5 estimated jackpot is worth $383,000.
“We really like seeing all the excitement of a high-value jackpot, but we want to remind players to stay within their means and play responsibly,” said Jeff Hewitt, president of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation.
Where to play
The Mississippi Lottery has 1,900 retailers throughout the state. Find a retailer near you on our website: www.mslotteryhome.com.
Bob Bakken is the most recognized and most trusted name in DeSoto County news and sports reporting, as readers continue to express their appreciation for his accuracy and fairness in the stories he writes. Bob is also heard on 95.3 The Rebel twice a week with sports updates and high school football play-by-play broadcasts in the fall. A former newspaper editor and writer, his award-winning background also includes television news producing, sports media relations, and radio broadcasting.
