Mega Millions® Jackpot Hits $400 Million; Please Play Responsibly

March 16, 2014 – A string of drawings without a jackpot winner have grown the estimated Mega Millions® jackpot to its highest level since December 2013. 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 20 consecutive Mega Millions drawings since Jan. 7 without a jackpot winner. This run has grown the estimated jackpot for the Tuesday, March 18 drawing to $400 million or $224.8 million with the cash option selected.

The Nebraska Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March of 2010. The multi-state game holds the record for the largest recorded U.S. jackpot - $656 million on March 30, 2012.

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 Nebraska Lottery Director Jim Haynes. “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.