The Mega Millions jackpot surpassed the $1 billion mark after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve.
The estimated prize for Friday's upcoming drawing is $1.15 billion, potentially making it the fifth-largest jackpot in the history of the game.
Mega Millions Consortium Chief Executive Officer Joshua Johnston, in a statement Wednesday, said: “We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday's drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift it would be if they ended up with a ticket valued at a jackpot. of $1,150 million.”
The odds of winning the grand prize are a staggering 1 in 302,575,350. However, lottery officials note that the odds of winning any prize in the game are significantly higher: 1 in 24.
Mega Millions tickets, priced at $2 each, are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half of the revenue from each ticket sold stays in the state where the ticket was purchased. Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 pm Eastern Time.
“I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice or any other way people choose to celebrate the season, than by helping fulfill the dreams that come with an award like this . and prizes to be won at all levels of the game,” Johnston added.
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