It’s now the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. If there isn’t a winner Friday night, the jackpot will inch closer to the record $2.04 billion Powerball prize won last November in California.
The long stretch without a Mega Millions jackpot winner is because of the game’s steep odds of 1 in 302.6 million.
The $1.35 billion prize is for a winner who chooses an annuity with annual payments over 29 years. Winners almost always take the cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $707.9 million.
Mega Millions tickets are $2 each. Players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to multiple non-jackpot prizes. The game is played in 45 states, including Ohio, as well as in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To find resources to help with a gambling problem, visit www.keepitfunohio.com.