The Mega Millions jackpot is approaching the $ 1 billion mark after Tuesday’s draw did not have a winner.
US lottery players are now in the race to win a $ 970 million jackpot, the second highest jackpot in the game’s history.
The winner will have the option of a single payment of a single installment – or an annuity paid over about 30 years.
The cash option is estimated at about $ 716.3 million.
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According to authorities, the pot before Tuesday’s draw had already entered “rarefied territory” as it reached an estimated $ 850 million.
Mega Millions lottery forms at a local grocery store January 12, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall)
Tuesday night’s draw produced millions of winning tickets at other prize levels, according to lottery officials. However, it was not possible to find a ticket that matched the five white balls 10, 19, 26, 28 and 50, in addition to the golden Mega Ball 16.
Friday’s draw will become the third time in history when one of America’s national jackpot games closes at $ 1 billion.
MEGA MILLION GROWS TO $ 850M BEFORE TUESDAY’S DRAWING
The current jackpot has been growing since September 15, when a Wisconsin player won a $ 120 million prize pool.
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However, there were almost 35.4 million winning tickets at other prize levels over the long period, including 60 worth at least $ 1 million.