DES MOINES, Iowa -- Lottery officials on Thursday raised the Mega Millions grand prize to $660 million, giving players a shot at what would be the nation's ninth-largest jackpot.
The jackpot for tonight's drawing has grown so large because there hasn't been a winner in three months. Those 27 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all six numbers has allowed the jackpot to gradually grow from its $20 million starting point in April.
Even as the big prize has increased, the odds of winning all that money have remained the same -- a staggering one in 302.5 million.
The highlighted pre-tax $660 million prize is for a winner who takes the annuity option, paid out in 30 annual payments. Most players choose the cash option, which for this drawing would be $376.9 million.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states -- including Arkansas -- as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials.