The California Lottery increased its Mega Millions Jackpot to an eye-popping $1.28 billion, the second largest in the state’s history and the third largest in U.S. history.
The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing are 13-36-45-57-67 with a Mega Ball of 14. Although tonight's drawing has stirred lots of excitement and anticipation, the state's lotto officials say the odds of winning the jackpot is 1 in 302 million.
The jackpot is fueled by skyrocketing sales, according to the California Lottery. The average sales for Mega Millions in California are about $1 million a day. So far this week, sales have jumped to an average of $10 million a day.
If Friday night’s drawing produces any winners, they can opt for the cash prize and walk away with an estimated $848.2 million.
The jackpot run began in April and has been growing steadily since with no jackpot winners. The state’s lottery has generated an estimated $99 million for public education, benefiting grades K-12, community colleges, public universities, and other educational entities.
California lottery officials urge people to purchase tickets for tonight’s Mega Millions Draw in person at one of the more than 23,000 locations that sell Lottery games across the state. App-based and online ticket resellers and delivery services are unregulated and unauthorized in California.
If no one hits tonight’s jackpot, it will roll to a record estimated $1.7 billion for Tuesday’s draw – the largest ever Mega Millions jackpot ever.
