The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to $970 million, inching ever-closer to the $1 billion mark.
Officials raised the estimated jackpot Thursday for the second time due to strong sales ahead of Friday night’s drawing.
The prize is the second-largest jackpot in U.S. history, behind only a $1.6 billion Powerball prize won in 2016.
No one has matched all six numbers and won the Mega Millions grand prize since July 24th.
That reflects the game’s long odds , at one in 302.5 million.
The $970 million refers to the annuity option, paid over 29 years. Most winners take the cash option, which would pay an immediate $513 million.
About half of the jackpot winnings would go to taxes.
Updated 2:10pm 10/18/18
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The Mega Millions jackpot is now up to $900 million.
Lottery officials raised the estimated prize Wednesday, less than a day after another drawing without a winner increased the prize to $868 million.
Officials say no tickets matched all six numbers to claim the Mega Millions prize Tuesday night. The numbers were 3, 45, 49, 61, 69 and Mega Ball 9.
The next drawing will be Friday and the estimated jackpot for that drawing would be the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.
The largest lottery jackpot was a $1.6 billion Powerball prize won in January 2016.
The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 302.5 million.
