By Todd Northrop
The United States — perhaps the world — has never witnessed a lottery-buying frenzy like we are seeing this week.
Mega Millions tickets are being bought at such a rapid pace that the state lotteries in the Mega Millions consortium have raised the jackpot estimate for the second time in as many days.
Early Wednesday morning, just after 1:00 am Eastern Time, USA Mega announced the new record Mega Millions jackpot of $476 million after nobody won in the Tuesday evening drawing.
Less than 12 hours later, with lottery tickets already being pumped out at a pace greater than expected, the jackpot estimate was raised to $500 million.
Now, just 24 hours later, the jackpot estimate for Friday's Mega Millions drawing has been raised to $540 million, with a lump-sum cash option of $389.8 million.
That's an increase of $177 million from the Tuesday jackpot of $363 million. And yet, the jackpot will probably be even higher by the time the drawing occurs at 11:00 pm Eastern Time (8:00 pm Pacific Time) tomorrow night.
Surely, tickets are being sold at such a rapid pace that the vast majority of all possible number combinations are being covered — multiple times for many combinations — but one still has to ask: what if just one person wins about $400 million in cash? It's hard for most people to even picture a number that large, let alone manage that much cash.
Perhaps more interesting to imagine is, what if nobody wins Friday?
Lottery players seeking to check the winning numbers Friday 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 Friday, 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.
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.
Lottery players can see an after-tax analysis of the current Mega Millions jackpot by visiting USA Mega's Jackpot Analysis page.
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.
Hand me my Ventolin!!!
But, the other thread
540 million...wow, that will be crazy if there is just 1 winner.
I just used my Ventolin and Atrovent!!
Woo Hoo ............
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$292,500,000
in the bank!
540 MILLION......may bust 600 million by the time of the drawing!
Thank You everyone for contibuting to my Pain free retirement!
Insanity----
The Ohio annuity after-tax payment is $14,330,769 (26 payments)
I'm taking the annuity.
Keep this loaded lotto freight train racing down that mountain pass, nix the brakes, put that petal to the metal with a heavy tail wind.
In N.Carolina the anniuty after taxes is: $14,123,077 per year. I'm leaning towards the annuity payments.
Just spent ten dollars at ten different locations and am not done shopping yet.
Good stradagy Eagles, hope that works out for you!
14,870,769/yr annuity here!!
Black friday starts early.
I bet Todd is getting tired of making changes to the web sites.
Although it's supposed to be better to take the money as one lump sum I would have a hard time passing up the annuity as that's like winning the lotto every single year, makes you all but bulletproof for life and then you can get a feel for money and if you decide to take some risks you have an out come the next check.
I bought two tickets today, my normal numbers and a quick pick and I'm going to buy seven more tickets before tomorrow all being quick picks only one play per ticket.
I hope it rolls over as it would threaten one billion dollars two rolls from now. Glad to see Powerball taking one to the chops!
but at least he's getting recognition for his amazing work!!
I hope so to driving to NJ tomorrow to buy a FEW lol.
Just curious, why do you think buying at different locations is a good strategy?
2011 Cadillac CTS Luxury - $32,495
I just like it! Nothing imported or super expensive but I'd buy one!
MINE! I CALL DIBS!
Well, I believe different locations play different set of numbers..( Just my way of thinking)
Completely agree. Chrysler 300 with all the options would be just fine as well.
I'm just in love with luxury cars. I'd probably get 3 initially, and buy a new one every year(selling the previous of course).
I will claim the jackpot in my name & then form the RLT so that it is not broadcast in the media ........
I made the play last nite ...................
They were showing Nevada border towns on the news as people were forming huge lines crossing the boarder into California border towns to buy Mega Millions tickets.
I really hope this rolls over, I just want to see how out of hand the next jackpot would be.
OK, just wondering. Bought 20 tickets in three diff. spots...not making 20 diff. stops, too much effort there for me.
Nice pick! If I iwn I'm going for a fully equipped Lincoln MKZ
What fun what fun
As good as any other, basically it's all just a big crap shoot, this is the lottery! Winner could be first time player on 1 QP, or someone who
has been playing 40 years who spent his last $5000 on this Friday's drawing. Hence my "good" strategy comment was meant as more of
a generic "atta boy" wish him luck gesture.
na my guy i need all my chips now thats more than half of what the sports, rappers, and the wealthy have ill take me chips pronto
So those lotto lines i'm seeing on CNN are most likely for this draw and not 10yrs ago. Thats sick.