PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - Mar 18, 2014) - The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $400 million for the drawing today, March 18. This is the third largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. The cash option would be $224 million, before taxes.
Since the jackpot started growing on Jan. 7, there have been more than $2.5 million in prizes awarded in Arizona alone. This includes a $1 million winning ticket and 19 $5,000 winners. In the last week alone, there were more than 178,000 Mega Millions winning tickets sold in Arizona.
"A high Mega Millions jackpot always generates excitement amongst our players," said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery.
The Mega Millions game was redesigned in October to have faster growing jackpots, a $1 million second prize and better overall odds of winning any prize, while remaining $1 per ticket.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was the world record-breaking $656 million prize, which was won in March 2012.
Tickets for Today's Mega Millions drawing can be purchased at any Arizona Lottery retailer until 6:59 p.m. this 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.
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