Mega Millions jackpot rolls to $790M; 4 Georgia tickets worth $10,000 each
Lottery officials on Friday night raised the Mega Millions grand prize to $790 million, giving players a shot at what would be the nation’s fourth largest jackpot.
The next drawing is on Tuesday. The jackpot has grown so large because there hasn't been a winner in three months. Those 27 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all six numbers has allowed the jackpot to gradually grow from its $20 million starting point in April.
In Friday’s drawing, four tickets sold in Georgia matched four of the white balls in addition to having the Mega Ball, which nets them $10,000. One lucky ticket from Georgia back on July 1 matched the five white balls in the drawing, earning that ticket holder a cool $1 million.
Friday night’s numbers were 14, 40, 60, 64, 66 and Mega Ball 16.
The highlighted pre-tax $790 million prize is for a winner who takes an annuity option, paid out in 30 annual payments. Most players choose the cash option, which for Friday's drawing would be $464.4 million.
In addition to Georgia, Mega Millions is played in 44 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials.
