DES MOINES, Iowa — Nobody in the United States got their hands on the US$940 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot, so the next jackpot will grow to an estimated $1.1 billion $US in Tuesday night’s draw.
The award is the third-highest in US history.
For a little over two months, there have been 24 draws without a winner, which has increased the pot.
The new jackpot estimated at US$1.1 billion will be paid as an annual annuity to the winner over a period of 29 years. However, grand prize winners usually take the cash option, which for Tuesday night’s draw will be worth an estimated US$568.7 million.
“Mega Millions just hit the $1 billion mark. It’s especially nice to see the jackpot grow throughout the holidays and into the new year,” Pat McDonald, Ohio Lottery Manager and Mega Millions Consortium Senior Manager, said in a statement early Saturday. “As the jackpot increases, we encourage our players to stick to their entertainment budget and enjoy this jackpot with us.”
The only Mega Millions jackpots larger than Tuesday’s draw were the $1.53 billion jackpot won in South Carolina in 2018 and the $1.33 billion winning ticket jackpot in Illinois in 2018. July, the statement said.
Elijah Kouza, assistant manager of a Buscemi convenience store in Livonia, Michigan, said the Mega Millions lottery attracted more customers ahead of Friday night’s draw. The prize of US$940 million was prominently advertised at the store.
The Mega Millions lottery is available in 45 US states as well as the District of Washington and the US Virgin Islands.