Mega Millions prize climbs to $667M, nation’s 3rd largest

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Mega Millions prize was already giant, but now it’s absolutely massive.

Lottery officials have raised the estimated jackpot for Tuesday night’s drawing to $667 million, making it the third-largest grand prize in U.S. history. The increase from $654 million reflects a surge in ticket sales.

The record lottery jackpot remains a $1.6 billion Powerball prize won in January 2016.

Although the Mega Millions prize has grown larger, the odds of winning remain the same at one in 302.5 million.

The $667 million jackpot refers to the annuity option, paid out over 29 years. The cash option, which is favored by nearly all winners, is $380 million.

Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Lottery players will have a chance at winning an estimated $667 million jackpot in the Mega Millions drawing Tuesday night, which would be the third-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.

The top 10 largest U.S. jackpots

1. $1.6 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016 (3 tickets, from California, Florida, Tennessee)

2. $758.7 million, Powerball, Aug. 23, 2017 (1 ticket, from Massachusetts)

3. $656 million, Mega Millions, March 30, 2012 (3 tickets, from Kansas, Illinois and Maryland)

4. $648 million, Mega Millions, Dec. 17, 2013 (2 tickets, from California and Georgia)

5. $590.5 million, Powerball, May 18, 2013 (1 ticket, from Florida)

6. $587.5 million, Powerball, Nov. 28, 2012 (2 tickets, from Arizona and Missouri)

7. $564.1 million, Powerball, Feb. 11, 2015 (3 tickets, from North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Texas)

8. $559.7 million, Powerball, Jan. 6, 2018 (1 ticket, New Hampshire)

9. $543 million, Mega Millions, July 24, 2018 (1 ticket, California)

10. $536 million, Mega Millions, July 8, 2016 (1 ticket, from Indiana)