PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - The Arizona Lottery announces the Mega Millions jackpot has reached $194 million for the next big drawing.

"It's always fun to see the anticipation building before a big Mega Millions draw," said Tony Bouie, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. "What's even more exciting is that a portion of the revenues from this drawing will be allocated to fund important state programs."

This is the largest Mega Millions jackpot since the $270 million jackpot in January. Even if players don't win the big jackpot, there are eight other ways to win, with prizes ranging from $1 up to $1 million.

So far in fiscal year 2015, Arizona players have already won more than $13.4 million in Mega Millions cash prizes. The Arizona Lottery advises players to sign their tickets and check them as soon as possible to avoid missing out on any prizes they may have won.

The next Mega Millions drawing will be held Friday, May 22. Drawings are held Tuesday and Friday evenings. Sales stop on draw nights at 6:59 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at any Arizona Lottery retailer. 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 doesn't receive any 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 $5.8 billion in prizes to players, more than $3 billion in net funding to the state and more than $686 million in commissions to retailers. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com