(Reuters) – The Mega Millions jackpot grew to an estimated $1.55 billion on Tuesday after none of the millions of Americans who took part in the multi-state lottery last week held the winning ticket in Friday’s drawing.
If a lucky ticket is found during Tuesday’s drawing, the winner can choose between receiving $1.55 billion in 29 annual payments, or a cash sum of approximately $752.2 million, according to the Mega Millions website.
Mega Millions said in a press release that the exact amounts will not be known until the draw.
The display at a store shows the $1.55 billion Mega Millions lottery jackpot in the borough of Queens, New York City, US, August 7, 2023. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
In Friday’s draw, nine players matched all five white balls needed to win the second division prize, which is worth at least $1 million each.
Two players win $2 million each for playing the Megaplier option, which increases a player’s chance of winning all prizes except the jackpot.
Another player won the Mega Millions jackpot in New York in April, with $20 million.
The Mega Millions lottery draws take place every Tuesday and Friday, at 11pm EST (0300GMT on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
Coverage by Rachel Nostrant. Editing by Jean Harvey
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