Mega Millions® Jackpot Hits $323 Million; Please Play Responsibly
A string of drawings without a jackpot winner have grown the estimated Mega Millions® jackpot to its highest level since June 2016. Because of the high jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery reminds customers to play responsibly.
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $15 million and continues to grow by at least $5 million each drawing until it is won. There have been 27 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since May 2 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Friday, August 4 drawing to $323 million or $199.8 million with the cash option selected. If won, this will be the 10th largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.
The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The largest Mega Millions jackpot on record occurred in March 2012 when three winners in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland split a $656 million jackpot.
Mega Millions jackpot winners have two options for collecting their payment: 30 annuity payments or one cash payment at present value. The annuity option provides annual payments that increase each year. The present cash value is less than the advertised jackpot, which is based on the 29-year annuity option. Winning Mega Millions numbers are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 p.m. Central Time and posted at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com.
Play Responsibly
Because of the high Mega Millions jackpot, the Nebraska Lottery encourages customers to play within their means. “It’s important for Nebraska Lottery players to remember that no matter how large the jackpot is, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 259 million,” said Lottery Director Brian Rockey. “Your odds of winning remain the same, regardless of how many tickets are purchased or how many people play.” If you or someone you know has a problem with compulsive gambling, please call the Nebraska Problem Gambling Help Line toll free at 800-522-4700.
Published on 08/02/2017