$200 MILLION: Mega Millions lottery jackpot soars

Mar 14, 2012, 9:57 am (71 comments)

Mega Millions

By Todd Northrop

Lottery players across the United States are buying their Mega Millions tickets in preparation for Friday's massive $200 million drawing.

The cash value stands at a staggering $145.4 million.  Lottery players typically think of the cash value as roughly half of the annuity estimate, but this Mega Millions cash value represents 73% of the annuity estimate.

Friday's Mega Millions jackpot is the accumulation of 14 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner.  The current jackpot run-up started on Jan. 27 as a $12 million grand prize.

Players should note that jackpot amounts are conservative estimates provided by the lotteries, and are often somewhat higher by the time the drawing occurs.

In the latest Mega Millions drawing that took place this past Tuesday night, there was no jackpot winner, but 9 lucky players matched the first 5 numbers for a $250,000 prize: 3 from California, 1 from Illinois, 1 from Massachusetts, 1 from New Jersey, 1 from New York, and 2 from Virginia.

The 3 California winners will each be awarded prizes of $235,402, because California awards all prizes in a pari-mutuel formula, which calculates the prize amount based on the number of tickets sold and the number of winners in each prize category. 

The Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, March 13, 2012, were 2, 8, 30, 36, and 48, with Mega Ball number 31. The Megaplier number was 3.

Following the Tuesday drawing, the Mega Millions annuity jackpot estimate was raised $29 million from its previous amount of $171 million. The cash value was raised by $20.7 million, from its previous amount of $124.7 million.

The next Mega Millions drawing will take place Friday evening at 11:00 pm EDT.

Mega Millions is currently offered for sale in 42 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For a complete set of game descriptions, results, history, and all questions regarding Mega Millions, lottery players are encouraged to visit USA Mega (www.usamega.com), a Web site that caters to the Unites States's two multi-state lottery games, Powerball and Mega Millions.

The Mega Millions winning numbers will be published at USA Mega Friday night, minutes after the drawing takes place.

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

It's Bentley time!  Grey Violet 2011 Bentley Continental Supersorts - Pittsburgh PA - SCBCU7ZA8BC066953 (21)  I will drive this one, the Mulsanne will need a part time driver though  See Ya!$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I just have feeling that Pennsylvania is going to get our first big win in Mega Millions !$!$!$!$

mcginnin56

Let it roll at least one more time, that should put it into the stratosphere of $250,000,000. I can live with a quarter Billion, can you.  What?

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Mar 14, 2012

Let it roll at least one more time, that should put it into the stratosphere of $250,000,000. I can live with a quarter Billion, can you.  What?

Take the cash option ............ inflation can ravage the annuity ..............

rad242

I have six psychics on retainer who swear by their crystal balls that this will roll until Good Friday!

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by rad242 on Mar 14, 2012

I have six psychics on retainer who swear by their crystal balls that this will roll until Good Friday!

Are they expensive ?!

the only rolling I want TO SEE is me ROTFLOLING!  Big Grin

Cletu$2's avatarCletu$2

I already bought my ticket.One is all I need!

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Mar 14, 2012

I already bought my ticket.One is all I need!

I have to wait until I can use our only car later. Or I would have my ticket also .....................

I am currently previewing my "new car" on YouTube right now ............ ROTFLOLING  Jester

mcginnin56

Quote: Originally posted by dpoly1 on Mar 14, 2012

Take the cash option ............ inflation can ravage the annuity ..............

That's my motto 'take "The Money And Run". Don't ever look back. Don't let bankrupt states defaulting on their poor investments screw you     Chair

out of your annuities! Always take the cash.  Thumbs Up

sully16's avatarsully16

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Mar 14, 2012

I already bought my ticket.One is all I need!

ditto.

KSplayer's avatarKSplayer

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Mar 14, 2012

I already bought my ticket.One is all I need!

I Agree!    I will be going to buy my usual $1 QP when i go pick my daughter up from school. Good Luck everyone!!!!!

 

Kansas for the WIN Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Jester Laugh

rad242

Well expense is relative isn't it? lol! I have recruited them to assist me in selecting the right numbers. They guide me on matters such as days, times and places to draw my QPs

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by mcginnin56 on Mar 14, 2012

That's my motto 'take "The Money And Run". Don't ever look back. Don't let bankrupt states defaulting on their poor investments screw you     Chair

out of your annuities! Always take the cash.  Thumbs Up

I Agree!

I have a friend that saw a $1,000,000,000,000 bill in Zimbabwe ............ and he wasn't hanging with the "1%"! The money also has an expiration date! Inflation can be devastating!  Hit With Stick

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by rad242 on Mar 14, 2012

Well expense is relative isn't it? lol! I have recruited them to assist me in selecting the right numbers. They guide me on matters such as days, times and places to draw my QPs

I just spend $3 like the nice Lady from Rhode Island!

Guitar

Grovel's avatarGrovel

Quote: Originally posted by Cletu$2 on Mar 14, 2012

I already bought my ticket.One is all I need!

I always buy two once it reaches two hundred million.

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