PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Dec 12, 2013) - The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $400 million for the draw on Friday, Dec. 13. This is the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and the fifth largest jackpot in North America. The cash option would be $216 million, before taxes.
Since the jackpot started growing on Oct. 1, there have been more than $2.3 million in prizes awarded in Arizona alone. This includes one $250,000 winner, three $10,000 winners and seven $5,000 winners. In the last drawing alone, there have been more than 114,000 Mega Millions winners in Arizona.
"Having a high jackpot during the holiday season is sure to generate more excitement amongst our players," said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "Mega Millions was redesigned in October to have faster growing jackpots, more chances to become a millionaire and better overall odds of winning a prize."
Mega Millions tickets remain $1 each. Players select five out of 75 numbers, then select one out of 15 for the Mega Ball number. Players also can pay an extra $1 for the Megaplier® which multiplies winnings, excluding the jackpot, up to five times the original amount. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. The game is played in 43 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the Virgin Islands.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was the world record-breaking $656 million prize, which was won in March 2012.
Tickets for Friday's Mega Millions draw can be purchased at any Arizona Lottery retailer until 7:59 p.m. Friday evening. Players can check their tickets by visiting ArizonaLottery.com.
Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at an Arizona Lottery office or by mail. Overall odds vary by game. All sales are final. In accordance with the ADA, these materials may be made available in an alternative format. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.NEXT STEP (1-800-639-8783). Please Play Responsibly™.
About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets -- nearly $3.4 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $5.4 billion in prizes to players, more than $3 billion in net funding to the state and more than $638 million in commissions to retailers. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Jennifer Adler
E.B. Lane
(602) 417-1594