By Todd Northrop
Mega Millions lottery players across the United States are pulling out the stops for the Tuesday evening drawing, which now stands as the largest Mega Millions grand prize since August, 2009.
The estimated jackpot of the January 4, 2011 Mega Millions drawing was raised Monday from $290 million to $330 million because of heavier than expected sales in all Mega Millions states.
Likewise, the lump-sum cash value of the massive grand prize was raised to $208.3 million, and increase of $25.7 million from the initial estimate made early Saturday morning.
Lottery players seeking to check the winning numbers Tuesday night are urged to use USA Mega (www.usamega.com). State lottery Web sites are normally brought to a standstill during busy periods, while USA Mega normally remains responsive.
Mega Millions drawing results will be posted immediately after the 11:00 pm drawing at USA Mega. The number of winners and new jackpot will be announced after all participating Mega Millions states have reported their data, which normally occurs within a couple of hours after the drawing.
Tickets will remain on sale typically until 10:45 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, although players should check with a lottery retailer in their state for the exact sales cutoff time. Players are advised not to wait until the last minute.
If the jackpot is not won on Tuesday, the Friday jackpot may become the largest lottery jackpot in history.
The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 176 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are approximately 1 in 40.
Mega Millions features nine different prize levels, ranging from $2 all the way up to the jackpot. Players can win even if they just match one number — the Mega Ball number.
Most states also offer the Megaplier option for an extra dollar per ticket purchased. The Megaplier multiplies any non-jackpot prizes won by 2, 3, or 4 times, depending on the Megaplier number drawn that evening.
Players who purchase the Megaplier and win second prize will automatically have their prize increased by 4x to $1 million.
WOW - just let me win a part of that ..oooooh boooy
my god, 400+ next draw if it rolls.
Grow baby GROW!
I'll bet if nobody hits this time its gonna be half a billion.
WOW, How exciting is this.
141 million after taxes! I think i can live with that.
You won't believe how many cousins you've got.
i knew it would be above 300, and just above 200 million cash
but 208 m in cash, i understated it a bit rofl
its now the 3 largest jackpot cash wise in history, what a monster we have on our hands
Mega Millions Jackpot for Mar. 6, 2007
$390,000,000
$233,000,000
Mega Millions Jackpot for Aug. 28, 2009
$336,000,000
$210,000,000
and now our current jacktop, is 2 million away form taking #2 spot in biggest cashs jackpot ever in history,
the irs will take a full 35% thro as thats the max rate
Your net payout: $135,200,000 and if you live in a state with income tax also, oh, best check usa mega for your state math added on 35% the irs is taking
if it rolls, it will beat 233m cash world record by a landsilde, it will murder the cap
, i wont even try to guest what it be, but it be will above 270m cash must likly and marketed as 400m + jackpot annuity lol
lotto history is about to be made maybe as todd said
i enjoy these insane jackpot amounts, how would i invest/and spend 135m cash, o what fun it is to have my imagination run wild with the idea
When you are dreaming about this, remember that the tax amount quoted on the analysis page is just a withholding. After they take out takes, you may still need to send in an estimated tax differential. Every situation is different of course.
Good luck to everyone. Just may have to actually buy a ticket this time.
I can't wait for the approximately $135 million EFT after Federal Taxes!
my Grey Violet Bentley will announce a quite grand midlife crisis!
One Ticket ........... One Winner!
.......... don't have to wait in line .......... got my ticket on Saturday!
Good luck to my lottery post friends ............
WOW
bought my ticket hope it's a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE
I'm thinking the jackpot amount will be bumped up
one more time before the drawing tomorrow night.
The Arkansas Lottery released a statement today indicating that is probable.
Yay! Go Arkansas!
Lottery fever is in full effect -
some people will spend a hundred dollars
or more trying to win this jackpot -
and the winner will probably be someone who spent
$1 on a quick pick