PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Mar 26, 2012) - The Mega Millions jackpot has been increased from $356 million to an estimated $363 million for the draw tomorrow, March 27. The jackpots are established based on a forecast of ticket sales. In this case, the ticket sales have outpaced the forecast, resulting in the increase of the estimated jackpot amount.
This is the third largest Mega Millions annuity and the fourth largest United States jackpot. The cash option is $259.8 million, the record largest cash jackpot in Mega Millions history due to the low interest rates.
"This is an exciting time for the Arizona Lottery since the Mega Millions jackpot is offering the largest cash option in the game's history," said Karen Bach, assistant director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "Plus, Arizona's own jackpot game, The Pick, is the largest it's been in nearly two years at $6.2 million for Wednesday night's draw. We look forward to awarding some big Arizona winners in the near future."
Mega Millions tickets cost $1 each. Players select five out of 56 numbers, then select one out of 46 for the Mega Ball number. Players can also pay an extra $1 for a Megaplier that multiplies winnings, excluding the jackpot, up to four times the original amount. Drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. The game is played in 42 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the Virgin Islands.
In the last week alone, there have been more than 56,000 Mega Millions winners in Arizona.
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. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. 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 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.7 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Jennifer Adler
E.B. Lane
(602) 417-1594