Save those holiday-gift lottery tickets: Mega Millions jackpot surpasses $1bn
Briefly

The Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed $1bn after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve, pushing the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing to $1.15bn. This signifies a major moment for lottery enthusiasts, as the prize not only represents potential wealth but also carries the allure of hope during the festive season.
Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, emphasized the excitement around the upcoming drawing, stating, "Many people will likely receive tickets as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15bn jackpot." This sentiment captures the mix of anticipation and festive spirit.
While the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, the lighter odds of winning any prize stand at 1 in 24, lottery officials remind ticket purchasers. This stark contrast highlights the difficulty of winning the jackpot compared to obtaining smaller prizes, illustrating the allure and gamble behind lottery games.
Tickets for Mega Millions are available in 45 states, plus Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands, at just $2 each. However, it’s important to note that half of the proceeds from ticket sales remain in the state where the ticket was sold, which helps fund local initiatives and community projects.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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