MEGA MILLIONS JACKPOT SOARS TO $636 MILLION

Dec 17, 2013, 12:08 pm (206 comments)

Mega Millions

Mega Millions buying frenzy sends jackpot to brink of world record

Includes video report

Updated at 1:03 pm with Maryland sales stats

By Todd Northrop

Certainly the state lotteries expected the multi-state Mega Millions October rules changes to increase jackpots, but it's fair to say the first jackpot run under the new rules exceeded their wildest expectations.

When Mega Millions changed its number matrix and prize structure in October, Texas Lottery executive director Gary Grief said, "We think that players will respond favorably to the new Mega Millions changes and expect even greater sales for the game." (See Tickets for updated Mega Millions game on sale Saturday, Lottery Post, October 18, 2013.)

What an understatement!

The official jackpot estimate for tonight's Mega Millions drawing has been raised for the second time in two days, due to heavy demand for the mind-blowing jackpot.

As of Tuesday morning, the estimated annuity jackpot for the Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Mega Millions jackpot is $636 million, with a lump-sum cash value of $341.2 million.

The increase propells tonight's jackpot total to the second-highest lottery jackpot in world history, and only $20 million shy of the all-time record $656 million jackpot, set in March of 2012 by the Mega Millions game.

But what if nobody wins the jackpot tonight?

Lottery officials have estimated that the starting jackpot estimate would be $950 million, with a cash option of $509.6 million. 

Translation:  We will see the world's first $1 billion lottery jackpot.

According to the Maryland Lottery, Mega Millions tickets in Maryland alone are being sold today at the rate of 101 tickets per second — 6,041 per minute.  The state is estimating that Maryland Lottery retailers will go through approximately 2016 rolls of paper for this particular drawing.  At 4,000 tickets per roll, that's a lot of tickets.

The rush of people trying to check their numbers on the Internet tonight will likely have most Web sites swamped.  Players are encouraged to check their numbers at USA Mega (www.usamega.com), which tends to survive incredible traffic volumes better than most state lottery Web sites.

"Players checking online should hang in there and refresh their Web browser every so often until they get through to the site," said Todd Northrop, founder of Lottery Post and USA Mega.  "The rush of traffic happens right at 11:00 Eastern Time, so waiting a half hour or so before checking the numbers will probably be easiest."

In the meantime, lottery players dreaming about what $636 million means to them after taxes have been withheld can check USA Mega's Jackpot Analysis page, which provides the information for each individual state.

VIDEO: Northrop featured on CNN's New Day program

Lottery Post founder Todd Northrop was featured on CNN's early morning New Day program in a segment discussing the Tuesday Mega Millions drawing.

Top 25 United States lottery jackpots of all time

Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot currently stands as the 2nd-largest lottery jackpot of all time in the United States.  That position may rise before the drawing, as lotteries are typically conservative in their initial estimates, and brisk sales may push the jackpot estimate higher by draw time.

  1. Mega Millions: $656 million, Mar. 30, 2012 - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
  2. Mega Millions: $636 million, Dec. 17, 2013 - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
  3. Powerball: $590.5 million, May 18, 2013 - Florida
  4. Powerball: $587.5 million, Nov. 28, 2012 - Arizona, Missouri
  5. Powerball: $448.4 million, Aug. 7, 2013 - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
  6. Powerball: $399.4 million, Sep. 18, 2013 - South Carolina
  7. Mega Millions: $390 million, Mar. 6, 2007 - Georgia, New Jersey
  8. Mega Millions: $380 million, Jan. 4, 2011 - Idaho, Washington
  9. Powerball: $365 million, Feb. 18, 2006 - Nebraska
  10. The Big Game: $363 million, May 9, 2000 - Illinois, Michigan
  11. Powerball: $340 million, Oct. 19, 2005 - Oregon
  12. Powerball: $338.3 million, Mar. 23, 2013 - New Jersey
  13. Powerball: $337 million, Aug. 15, 2012 - Michigan
  14. Powerball: $336.4 million, Feb. 11, 2012 - Rhode Island
  15. Mega Millions: $336 million, Aug. 28, 2009 - California, New York
  16. The Big Game: $331 million, Apr. 16, 2002 - Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey
  17. Mega Millions: $330 million, Aug. 31, 2007 - Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
  18. Mega Millions: $319 million, Mar. 25, 2011 - New York
  19. Mega Millions: $315 million, Nov. 15, 2005 - California
  20. Powerball: $314.9 million, Dec. 26, 2002 - West Virgina
  21. Powerball: $314.3 million, Aug. 25, 2007 - Indiana
  22. Powerball: $295.7 million, Jul. 29, 1998 - Indiana
  23. Powerball: $295 million, Aug. 25, 2001 - Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire
  24. Mega Millions: $294 million, Jul. 2, 2004 - Massachusetts
  25. Powerball: $276.3 million, Mar. 15, 2008 - West Virgina

For those keeping score, the number of jackpots in the top 25, by lottery game, are:

  • Mega Millions: 9
  • Powerball: 14
  • The Big Game: 2

The Big Game is the original name of Mega Millions, from the game's first drawing on Sep. 6, 1996 through May 14, 2002.  The name was changed to Mega Millions starting with the May 17, 2002 drawing.

Top 25 cash value jackpots

Since many lottery winners collect their winnings in cash, the lump-sum payout is an important measure of what a winning ticket could be worth.

Looking at the cash value, the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot ranks as the 4th-largest cash value in U.S. history.

  1. Mega Millions: $471 million cash, Mar. 30, 2012 ($656 million annuity) - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
  2. Powerball: $384.7 million cash, Nov. 28, 2012 ($587.5 million annuity) - Arizona, Missouri
  3. Powerball: $370.9 million cash, May 18, 2013 ($590.5 million annuity) - Florida
  4. Mega Millions: $341.2 million cash, Dec. 17, 2013 ($636 million annuity) - Preliminary estimate, not won yet
  5. Powerball: $258.2 million cash, Aug. 7, 2013 ($448.4 million annuity) - Minnesota, New Jersey (2)
  6. Mega Millions: $240 million cash, Jan. 4, 2011 ($380 million annuity) - Idaho, Washington
  7. Mega Millions: $233.1 million cash, Mar. 6, 2007 ($390 million annuity) - Georgia, New Jersey
  8. Powerball: $224.7 million cash, Aug. 15, 2012 ($337 million annuity) - Michigan
  9. Powerball: $223.3 million cash, Sep. 18, 2013 ($399.4 million annuity) - South Carolina
  10. Mega Millions: $214 million cash, Aug. 28, 2009 ($336 million annuity) - California, New York
  11. Powerball: $211 million cash, Mar. 23, 2013 ($338.3 million annuity) - New Jersey
  12. Powerball: $210 million cash, Feb. 11, 2012 ($336.4 million annuity) - Rhode Island
  13. Mega Millions: $202.9 million cash, Mar. 25, 2011 ($319 million annuity) - New York
  14. Mega Millions: $194.4. million cash, Aug. 31, 2007 ($330 million annuity) - Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
  15. Mega Millions: $185 million cash, Nov. 15, 2005 ($315 million annuity) - California
  16. The Big Game: $180 million cash, May 9, 2000 ($363 million annuity) - Illinois, Michigan
  17. Powerball: $177.3 million cash, Feb. 18, 2006 ($365 million annuity) - Nebraska
  18. Mega Millions: $168 million cash, July 2, 2004 ($294 million annuity) - Massachusetts
  19. Mega Millions: $167.7 million cash, Feb. 22, 2008 ($275 million annuity) - Georgia
  20. Powerball: $166 million cash, Aug. 25, 2001 ($295 million annuity) - Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire
  21. Mega Millions: $165.2 million cash, May 4, 2010 ($266 million annuity) - California
  22. Powerball: $164.4 million cash, won Oct. 19, 2005 ($340 million annuity) - Oregon
  23. Mega Millions: $164 million cash, Feb. 28, 2006 ($270 million annuity) - Ohio
  24. Powerball: $161.5 million cash, July 29, 1998 ($295.7 million annuity) - Indiana
  25. Mega Millions: $156.1 million cash, Sept. 16, 2005 ($258 million annuity) - New Jersey

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Woo Hoo $636 million.....BananaDanceWhite Bounce

JWBlue

Holy <snip>.

Quinto's avatarQuinto

75 white balls.. Really.. This is going to be cray cray if this jackpot don't go toinght. They knew it would roll this high when they changed the balls to 75 white balls. There are only 15 red, but you still have to get 5/75 and the matching red ball to boot. Yikes!

chrissy16

I can't stop grinning.

MzDuffleBaglady's avatarMzDuffleBaglady

I'm going to try this one more time, lol.Party

I bought a ticket for last Friday, "not one number".

 

WTG @ ToddBanana

 

Good Luck.

Shelby Mustang

Holy Mega Millions Batman

Pita Maha's avatarPita Maha

Quote: Originally posted by JWBlue on Dec 17, 2013

Holy <snip>.

My thoughts exactly Shocked Big Smile

RedStang's avatarRedStang

HaHa. You sound like us at 1:00.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by Quinto on Dec 17, 2013

75 white balls.. Really.. This is going to be cray cray if this jackpot don't go toinght. They knew it would roll this high when they changed the balls to 75 white balls. There are only 15 red, but you still have to get 5/75 and the matching red ball to boot. Yikes!

Right. Suckers out there pluncking down $50, $100, $200-plus for tickets chasing this pipe dream. I'll buy my usual three with MP to be 'in the game', but this is looking like bad reality TV right now.

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

if not hit tonight they will have to call it "Mega Billions" lol

mrcraft's avatarmrcraft

May have to go out and buy my second $1.00 after all...  Smiley

delS

To say this is exciting is an under statement!!!!!!!!  I have no doubt there will be one Winner!!!!!!! I dont think it will be tonight.  I think I will win it on Friday.  I have my 31 page plan laid out.  Just need the transfer of funds to hit.  Wont actually claim it until late February or early March.....lol

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Here we go folks!

Rudolph

I want to bring this home for Pennsylvania's first big win in Mega Millions!

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

holy cow

Mattapan

I find it comical that the mega millions people are saying this has exceeded their wildest expectations. I call Bull on that. They knew exactly what would happen: a billion dollar jackpot, so I don't know why they acting surprised.

brees2012's avatarbrees2012

Ready to win the Mega Millions ....................ready to make several phone calls .............

I can see myself winning the lottery ............Will share with families , friends , and charities ......

WWWBUKTN

I spent four bucks.   My usual numbers with MP and two quick picks from random lotto machines.   (They don't offer MP in the machine since they are greedy in Illinois and had to add their stupid Hit Or Miss game taking up that slot.)

I hope I hit and if I do I'm collecting tomorrow and making the rounds on every single media outlet that would have me say horrible things instead of the usual nonsend how you're going to help charity and how you may keep your job.   I'm not even going to hold back, Katie will be pressing the bleep button every other word.   If I win then you win as you'll be amused if nothing else.

New York's avatarNew York

Amazing. Incredible that 70% of combinations will be drawn, most likely tonight. I hope that tonight's drawing is so obscured, we get another roll. That will be so exciting.

Todd, nice way to describe the odds lol. That's so true!

faber98

horrific advice todd to urge players to buy mega millions tickets for holiday presents as you did on cnn today. what if you bought a ticket as a present for someone and they won and gave you an extremely token amount or nothing. how would you feel. better off keeping all ticket purchases for yourself and then sharing after. makes more sense to give someone a fruitcake rather than a mega millions ticket. more likely scenario is that someone gets the paltry million (2nd place prize) on a gift ticket. how much then do they reward the giver. it can defintely ruin the relationship you have with that person. the receiver has to struggle with deciding how much and the giver will always figure he deserves more. just hang on to your tickets people, they are not a viable "gift" on any level.

FrankBurns

Recyle centers will be buzzing with shopping carts full of empty beer cans>>> cashing in to buy MEGA Tickets!!!

WWWBUKTN

Quote: Originally posted by faber98 on Dec 17, 2013

horrific advice todd to urge players to buy mega millions tickets for holiday presents as you did on cnn today. what if you bought a ticket as a present for someone and they won and gave you an extremely token amount or nothing. how would you feel. better off keeping all ticket purchases for yourself and then sharing after. makes more sense to give someone a fruitcake rather than a mega millions ticket. more likely scenario is that someone gets the paltry million (2nd place prize) on a gift ticket. how much then do they reward the giver. it can defintely ruin the relationship you have with that person. the receiver has to struggle with deciding how much and the giver will always figure he deserves more. just hang on to your tickets people, they are not a viable "gift" on any level.

I totally agree.   I don't give kids basketballs because I wouldn't want them becoming really good at the sport and possibly one day cashing in as a first round lottery pick in the NBA and not remembering me when that happens.

Wow, you sound like somebody who would be really happy if their best friend won...

LottoGuyBC's avatarLottoGuyBC

$636M+ White Bounce

Littleoldlady's avatarLittleoldlady

Quote: Originally posted by WWWBUKTN on Dec 17, 2013

I totally agree.   I don't give kids basketballs because I wouldn't want them becoming really good at the sport and possibly one day cashing in as a first round lottery pick in the NBA and not remembering me when that happens.

Wow, you sound like somebody who would be really happy if their best friend won...

If i gave them as a gift, yopu BETTER BELIEVE that I also would have the same numbers on a ticket for myself.   This actually happened in Ky when the PB jackpot was about 125 million.   A guy gave his co worker 2.00 to buy him 2 quickpicks and one of them won the whole thing.  I don't think he ever gave her the million he promised her.

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

White BounceIt's surely creeping up to rent money territory. Folks are gonna wake up, day after Xmas, and wonder what happened to their rent, car payment, grocery, mortgage and kids' supplies money...POOOFFFF it went, into the coffers of Mega Millions, and you were so sure it was all yours for the taking and now your a$$ is broke. Sad

bytheshore

Wow!

Not surprised at how big this jackpot is (new matrix makes winning this on par with getting hit by lightning as you're picking a 4-leaf clover while petting a unicorn).

What surprises me is that this is the 2nd highest jackpot, but the cash value for it is over $100 million less than the highest.

Mar. 30, 2012    $656 million -- cash value $471M

Dec. 17, 2013    $636 million -- cash value $341.2M

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

Quote: Originally posted by faber98 on Dec 17, 2013

horrific advice todd to urge players to buy mega millions tickets for holiday presents as you did on cnn today. what if you bought a ticket as a present for someone and they won and gave you an extremely token amount or nothing. how would you feel. better off keeping all ticket purchases for yourself and then sharing after. makes more sense to give someone a fruitcake rather than a mega millions ticket. more likely scenario is that someone gets the paltry million (2nd place prize) on a gift ticket. how much then do they reward the giver. it can defintely ruin the relationship you have with that person. the receiver has to struggle with deciding how much and the giver will always figure he deserves more. just hang on to your tickets people, they are not a viable "gift" on any level.

50/50 split has a funny way of shutting everybody up.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

These insane dollar-amount figures drive many usually clear-headed people into acting something other than their typical selves.

As far as Todd going on CNN and saying what he did, he has a business to run and this is good for business. I say this without judgement. It is what it is and right now this is about the hype and the promotion and the sales and the number of site 'hits'. For everyone involved in this, right down to the Mom & Pop corner stores selling tickets.

If we're spending even a buck on this we're all part of the circus, but if you're out there spending half your weekly paycheck chasing this thing down, you're part of the clown-act of said circus. And, you're a sucker to boot.

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by Mattapan on Dec 17, 2013

I find it comical that the mega millions people are saying this has exceeded their wildest expectations. I call Bull on that. They knew exactly what would happen: a billion dollar jackpot, so I don't know why they acting surprised.

It's all about the hype. Simply advertising a cash jackpot of over $300 million isn't enough. They have to inflate it by nearly 100% with a fictitious annuity that virtually nobody takes, and they're desperately hoping for an excuse to call this drawing a new record when they'll be lucky if it's 3/4 of what they gave away just under 2 years ago.

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Stop it

 

$636M? I think I'm going to burst!!

Win$500Quick's avatarWin$500Quick

I was in the store playing Cash 3 when the screen for Mega Millions switch from $586 to $636 million.

mrcraft's avatarmrcraft

Quote: Originally posted by bytheshore on Dec 17, 2013

Wow!

Not surprised at how big this jackpot is (new matrix makes winning this on par with getting hit by lightning as you're picking a 4-leaf clover while petting a unicorn).

What surprises me is that this is the 2nd highest jackpot, but the cash value for it is over $100 million less than the highest.

Mar. 30, 2012    $656 million -- cash value $471M

Dec. 17, 2013    $636 million -- cash value $341.2M

Yeah, when MM changed the odds, they also made another sneaky change which was the extension of the annuity to 30 years.  It weakens the cash value considerably relative to the advertised jackpot.  I think many lotteries are moving to 30 year annuities though.  Even in California, the SuperLotto Plus is now paid out in 30 years.

Jon D's avatarJon D

Quote: Originally posted by Mattapan on Dec 17, 2013

I find it comical that the mega millions people are saying this has exceeded their wildest expectations. I call Bull on that. They knew exactly what would happen: a billion dollar jackpot, so I don't know why they acting surprised.

They're probably not stretching that too much.

Before the change, they were probably cautiously optimistic. Nobody knows for sure exactly how people would react to the new MM game/matrix. In fact, lots of people were down on it and saying they weren't going to play and that it would fail. I gave it a chance. And as it turns out, sales were actually a bit up compared to before the change.

But they had a bit of luck too with this first run. And Powerball stayed relatively low and reset to $40M 3 times during the run up. That leaves more money for players to dump on the soaring MM JP. Also, to get to this point, MM had to survive over $650M in total accumulated sales, more than twice the 259M odds of the game. That bit of luck is what gets us here, 1 draw away from a $1 Billion JP.

But that luck is running out, likely tonight.

Piaceri

Got my numbers and I'm ready for the draw! Woo-hoo!!!!

 

Dance singlewinnersinglewinnersinglewinner Dance

 

I'd almost like to see it roll, just to see the numbers. Crazy

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Single Winner right here SmileBig Grin Santa

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Good Luck to everyoneLep

BBLL's avatarBBLL

How many combinations are in Mega Millions?

Bleedblue21's avatarBleedblue21

"As of Tuesday morning, the estimated annuity jackpot for the Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Mega Millions jackpot is $636 million, with a lump-sum cash value of $341.2 million."

 

And after Uncle Sam dips his hand into your pockets....expect to receive less than 35% of the lump sum option !!!  WOOO HOOO...GOOD OLE US of A !!!

MF'ers (lol)

mnsweeps

I bought 2 so far..if I am lucky I will win ..No point in buying in multitudes..

Jon D's avatarJon D

Quote: Originally posted by BBLL on Dec 17, 2013

How many combinations are in Mega Millions?

The odds on the jackpot: 258,890,850 total combos/chances

gnozahs's avatargnozahs

Someone's gonna hit it tonight. I guess I'll cave in and play $1.

LottoBoner

Oh my god, was that Alex Jones?

Did alex jones just say he wants to think about gift giving, while a shark is gnawing on his leg while at the same time being tasered on the butt by a leprachaun in a santa claus costume?

Piaceri

Quote: Originally posted by Bleedblue21 on Dec 17, 2013

"As of Tuesday morning, the estimated annuity jackpot for the Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Mega Millions jackpot is $636 million, with a lump-sum cash value of $341.2 million."

 

And after Uncle Sam dips his hand into your pockets....expect to receive less than 35% of the lump sum option !!!  WOOO HOOO...GOOD OLE US of A !!!

MF'ers (lol)

Someone's math is off.

After Uncle Sam takes his unfair share, you will have about 33% (more or less) of the ANNUITY amount, but you will have 60% of the CASH LUMP SUM amount. Uncle Sam maxes out at 39.6. A good tax attorney will make your share larger, but a state tax will take their unfair share, too, if you live in one of THOSE states.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by Jon D on Dec 17, 2013

The odds on the jackpot: 258,890,850 total combos/chances

Possible Mega Millions can still roll.

Viking Orayk's avatarViking Orayk

I Agree!Party

 

With the Jackpot this "Big"

I'm renting ($6) my dreams of "what if" Until the drawing........

"Hoping my long shot comes in"

                                                             Bed

mightwin's avatarmightwin

One jackpot winner.......Michigan! !

FrankBurns

I'm a Mega-Tard

I bought 13 Party

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by FrankBurns on Dec 17, 2013

I'm a Mega-Tard

I bought 13 Party

I'm a bigger one then, I bought 40....lol

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Wouldn't it be funny if they raised it to 666 million. .....lol

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Dec 17, 2013

Wouldn't it be funny if they raised it to 666 million. .....lol

No Nod

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

800 Million will be NICE!Noel

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by helpmewin on Dec 17, 2013

800 Million will be NICE!Noel

800+ if it rolls

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Quote: Originally posted by Piaceri on Dec 17, 2013

Got my numbers and I'm ready for the draw! Woo-hoo!!!!

 

Dance singlewinnersinglewinnersinglewinner Dance

 

I'd almost like to see it roll, just to see the numbers. Crazy

I think that dog is more excited then you are.

lejardin's avatarlejardin

I have one ticket and while I was out, I bought two more with megaplier.  I asked the clerk how the mega millions sales were going and she laughed and said that was all she was selling today and that it is crazy!  I hope my little $5 investment pays.  Blue Angel

Good Luck everyone!NoelWhat a nice CHRISTmas gift this would be.

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Quote: Originally posted by Win$500Quick on Dec 17, 2013

I was in the store playing Cash 3 when the screen for Mega Millions switch from $586 to $636 million.

So how many MM did you buy?

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Dec 17, 2013

Wouldn't it be funny if they raised it to 666 million. .....lol

I thought about that as well. Would have been an interesting marketing ploy to say the least....

Piaceri

Quote: Originally posted by RedStang on Dec 17, 2013

I think that dog is more excited then you are.

Hey now, don't mess with the little doggie. Ain't she cute? Razz

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Dec 17, 2013

Wouldn't it be funny if they raised it to 666 million. .....lol

Imagine if the person who possessed the winning ticket for $666,000,000.00 was superstitous and wouldn't claim it because of the "666"

Red Devil

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Dec 17, 2013

Imagine if the person who possessed the winning ticket for $666,000,000.00 was superstitous and wouldn't claim it because of the "666"

Red Devil

There's a suburb of Toledo that has 666 for the first three of their phone numbers. I always laugh when i drive through there cuz some of the churches have 666 for their phone numbers.

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

Sales are projected at 319.5, say 320 million. That gives roughly 71% chance of there being at least one winner tonight, and 57% chance of only one winner. Friday's projected sales are about 537 million (87% chance of at least one winner, 42% chance of only one) so rollover to Christmas Eve is unlikely.

FrankBurns

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Dec 17, 2013

There's a suburb of Toledo that has 666 for the first three of their phone numbers. I always laugh when i drive through there cuz some of the churches have 666 for their phone numbers.

My number starts with 666

I got over it a long time ago

Some people freaked out over it though and

had to pay some BIG BUCKS to have it changed

Masone

Quote: Originally posted by lejardin on Dec 17, 2013

I have one ticket and while I was out, I bought two more with megaplier.  I asked the clerk how the mega millions sales were going and she laughed and said that was all she was selling today and that it is crazy!  I hope my little $5 investment pays.  Blue Angel

Good Luck everyone!NoelWhat a nice CHRISTmas gift this would be.

Your $5 investment will definitely pay...towards my new Ferrari 458. I'd like to thank everybody for investing all this money into my bank account, I wouldn't be able to buy the mansions and cars without your help. Thank you.

lejardin's avatarlejardin

Quote: Originally posted by Masone on Dec 17, 2013

Your $5 investment will definitely pay...towards my new Ferrari 458. I'd like to thank everybody for investing all this money into my bank account, I wouldn't be able to buy the mansions and cars without your help. Thank you.

LOL......ok good luck to you too but I hope it is me.Blue Angel

psykomo's avatarpsykomo

Todd:

Thumbs Up UR WORK'$ R GREAT ND YEAR 2013 ADThumbs Up

and "U">>>> R LUV'd EVERYWHERE UGOThumbs Up

  PartyJack-in-the-BoxPartySun SmileyDrumSun Smiley PartyJack-in-the-BoxParty

spy153's avatarspy153

Well ky hasn't had a good win in a very long time!!  I've not been a saint but I can't think of too many who are just off hand.  So I'm game tonight mega millions.  Maybe mega luck will blow me kisses tonight Wink

Brcebrce

In Ga $232 million after taxes. It could split 5 or 10 ways still more than enough for me to retire.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Annuity or Cash payout?

Slick Nick's avatarSlick Nick

I just got home from the grocery store, the lines were growing, and everyone and his brother was buying a ticket or 2.Yes Nod

dk1421's avatardk1421

$636 Million?! 

I kept thinking about the Imagine Dragons song, Radioactive, but changing the last line to: "This is it, the apocalypse! I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones, enough to make my systems blow. Welcome to the new age, to the new age, to the new age, welcome to the new" ....lottery winner!

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by LottoMetro on Dec 17, 2013

Sales are projected at 319.5, say 320 million. That gives roughly 71% chance of there being at least one winner tonight, and 57% chance of only one winner. Friday's projected sales are about 537 million (87% chance of at least one winner, 42% chance of only one) so rollover to Christmas Eve is unlikely.

It may be unlikely, but almost a 4% chance of rolling well past a billion is the best odds a lottery has ever offered.

It's too bad they offer quick picks.  If everybody had to choose their own numbers the chance of a rollover would probably still be well over 50%.

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

Quote: Originally posted by KY Floyd on Dec 17, 2013

It may be unlikely, but almost a 4% chance of rolling well past a billion is the best odds a lottery has ever offered.

It's too bad they offer quick picks.  If everybody had to choose their own numbers the chance of a rollover would probably still be well over 50%.

Correction on my posting of stats: chances for single winner only are 36% tonight and 26% for Friday (based on latest MUSL projections). Single winner is most probable for this draw, and 2 winners is most probable for next draw (albeit only a slight edge over single winner).

The chances of a rollover tonight are 29% and 12.6% for Friday. Agreed, those are the best odds to push past a billion!

Sherita's avatarSherita

Lottery Pool @ work! 120 chances to win it!Party

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Good luck to everyone tonight!

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Dec 17, 2013

Good luck to everyone tonight!

I Agree!

Simba774

Quote: Originally posted by Quinto on Dec 17, 2013

75 white balls.. Really.. This is going to be cray cray if this jackpot don't go toinght. They knew it would roll this high when they changed the balls to 75 white balls. There are only 15 red, but you still have to get 5/75 and the matching red ball to boot. Yikes!

Out of the crazy things that can happen to you in life winning the lotery is the most impossible one.  That's why folks should stay in their budget. I bought 2 tickets. You tear up more tickets than you cash in. Good luck to everyone tonight.

ttech10's avatarttech10

I almost wouldn't want to win tonight. There's just too many onlookers, I'd rather have a large pool win and then get a win 3-4 draws later.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by ttech10 on Dec 17, 2013

I almost wouldn't want to win tonight. There's just too many onlookers, I'd rather have a large pool win and then get a win 3-4 draws later.

Enough to not buy a ticket for tonight? I'm guessing no...(me neither). LOL

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by ttech10 on Dec 17, 2013

I almost wouldn't want to win tonight. There's just too many onlookers, I'd rather have a large pool win and then get a win 3-4 draws later.

i'll take the win. Onlookers don't scare me.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by ttech10 on Dec 17, 2013

I almost wouldn't want to win tonight. There's just too many onlookers, I'd rather have a large pool win and then get a win 3-4 draws later.

Just give it to me if you win, ttech.

I'll give you 10% of the JP, all taxes paid, and complete anonymity.

WesternRedDoug

Quote: Originally posted by ttech10 on Dec 17, 2013

I almost wouldn't want to win tonight. There's just too many onlookers, I'd rather have a large pool win and then get a win 3-4 draws later.

Eh, with the current MM odds, there is a good chance we'll be back at $500M in a few months. You could wait for that person to claim theirs.

ttech10's avatarttech10

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on Dec 17, 2013

Enough to not buy a ticket for tonight? I'm guessing no...(me neither). LOL

Haha. The key word was almost.

I spent an extra dollar, and definitely wouldn't mind the win, but I like the idea of winning a few draws after a big draw than the big draw itself.

Maybe I'm crazy.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

I bought extra tickets to keep the woodstove burning. GL

mnsweeps

I have bought only 2 tickets...Nothing more than that..

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by ttech10 on Dec 17, 2013

Haha. The key word was almost.

I spent an extra dollar, and definitely wouldn't mind the win, but I like the idea of winning a few draws after a big draw than the big draw itself.

Maybe I'm crazy.

No, I don't think you're crazy. It's a very intimidating, if not terrifiying, amount of money.

I'm convinced other the years there's been several good-sized JPs go unclaimed because people were absolutely afraid of the prospects of dealing with large sums of $$$, how others like family and friends would look upon them, and not feeling equipped to deal with life-changes a win like that would bring.

Masone

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on Dec 17, 2013

No, I don't think you're crazy. It's a very intimidating, if not terrifiying, amount of money.

I'm convinced other the years there's been several good-sized JPs go unclaimed because people were absolutely afraid of the prospects of dealing with large sums of $$$, how others like family and friends would look upon them, and not feeling equipped to deal with life-changes a win like that would bring.

Or they just couldn't find the ticket.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by Masone on Dec 17, 2013

Or they just couldn't find the ticket.

Sure, many or most are lost tickets. And others are scared to death. It's one thing to buy something that sounds potentially great, and another when you actually have to deal with the 'reality' of winning.

Note I'm not counting myself as someone who'd walk away. I just understand how that could be the thought process for some.

For me, the more I win, the more I can give away.

JWBlue

Late sales are likely to push the jackpot to over $650M.

TheGameGrl's avatarTheGameGrl

Fear not, it will be split by two or three state winners, so the amount will not be so "scary" to manage. 

I wish only a few things from tonights drawing...that its serves the person wisely in their lifetime, that I may be one of the jackpot winners and that thirdly, that the media leave the persons alone. 

Best to the players....it only takes one line to win!

daxpax

 a lot of nummers for a lot of loot.

hope i hit it.

Banana

ttech10's avatarttech10

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on Dec 17, 2013

No, I don't think you're crazy. It's a very intimidating, if not terrifiying, amount of money.

I'm convinced other the years there's been several good-sized JPs go unclaimed because people were absolutely afraid of the prospects of dealing with large sums of $$$, how others like family and friends would look upon them, and not feeling equipped to deal with life-changes a win like that would bring.

Since there has been winners who wanted none of the money themselves (most recently the Canadian couple and then Shaw McBride who probably gave away the biggest) I wouldn't doubt at least one person has completely abandon their ticket. Some may also face mental issues, such as high anxiety, that would almost shut them down with the thought of all they would be put through by claiming.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

One ticket like the lady who the powerball.

Teddi's avatarTeddi

Quote: Originally posted by JWBlue on Dec 17, 2013

Late sales are likely to push the jackpot to over $650M.

Well let's hope so, otherwise it would suck that they completely changed the matrix to make it harder to win and to guarantee larger JPs only to fall short of a JP amount set when people stood a better chance of winning. 

They aren't going to break any cash value records with this one, but after all of this, they had at least better break the annuity record.

GTR1946's avatarGTR1946

The way to win, play 15 tickets with an auto pick for your five numbers and #1 for your MB

Then your First Number                           1 2 3 4 5    MB #1

Second Number                                     2 3 4 5 6    MB #2

Third                                                   3 4 5 6 7    MB #3

4th                                                     5 6 7 8 9    MB #4

5th                                                     6 7 8 9 1    MB #5

6                                                        2 3 4 5 6    MB #6

AND SO ON THREW TO THE 15th MB          /////////    MB  #15

Just for fun, if it rolls to 900 mil. I'll try that.

ashabug725's avatarashabug725

Quote: Originally posted by BuyLow on Dec 17, 2013

So how many MM did you buy?

2 self picks and 3 qps... I had a couple $ winner on a scratch off so I asked the clerk for 3 qps... He gave me 5... Wasn't going to trade in the ticket... What if by some miracle of a chance his mess up was a true blessing?!?!-- so our family has 10

megan81's avatarmegan81

“...Getting struck by lightning at the same time you’re being eaten by a shark”-Nice! It was so cool to put a voice and face to Todd Northrop.

 

As for the jackpot, IN-SANE! I gave a gas station attendant my gloves today, so I’m hoping that good karma really does come full circle.

ashabug725's avatarashabug725

Quote: Originally posted by megan81 on Dec 17, 2013

“...Getting struck by lightning at the same time you’re being eaten by a shark”-Nice! It was so cool to put a voice and face to Todd Northrop.

 

As for the jackpot, IN-SANE! I gave a gas station attendant my gloves today, so I’m hoping that good karma really does come full circle.

Me too Megan! I gave up half of Christmas eve with my family so one of co workers and buddies could go see her sons Christmas play tonight!!! (Had to do some shift switching)... Didn't do it for karma- I did it to help her out, but by golly it'd be awesome if karma wanted to help me and my family out too!!!!

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Todd Northrop was looking handsome on CNN! Wink

I'm looking forward to solo winning this Mega Millions jackpot tonight! Banana

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

Enough talk.  Draw this sucker!

megan81's avatarmegan81

Quote: Originally posted by ashabug725 on Dec 17, 2013

Me too Megan! I gave up half of Christmas eve with my family so one of co workers and buddies could go see her sons Christmas play tonight!!! (Had to do some shift switching)... Didn't do it for karma- I did it to help her out, but by golly it'd be awesome if karma wanted to help me and my family out too!!!!

That'd be sweet! Let's split it and paint the earth with good karma!

megan81's avatarmegan81

Quote: Originally posted by veganlife125 on Dec 17, 2013

Enough talk.  Draw this sucker!

Right! I'm steady watching the clock!

scarchelli's avatarscarchelli

Quote: Originally posted by GTR1946 on Dec 17, 2013

The way to win, play 15 tickets with an auto pick for your five numbers and #1 for your MB

Then your First Number                           1 2 3 4 5    MB #1

Second Number                                     2 3 4 5 6    MB #2

Third                                                   3 4 5 6 7    MB #3

4th                                                     5 6 7 8 9    MB #4

5th                                                     6 7 8 9 1    MB #5

6                                                        2 3 4 5 6    MB #6

AND SO ON THREW TO THE 15th MB          /////////    MB  #15

Just for fun, if it rolls to 900 mil. I'll try that.

I didnt know you could qp the first 5 numbers.  Is that really possible?

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

Quote: Originally posted by megan81 on Dec 17, 2013

Right! I'm steady watching the clock!

Watch out for JoeBigLotto & RedStang, they fall in love real E Z haha!

GTR1946's avatarGTR1946

You can in Ohio first 5 or MB..

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by scarchelli on Dec 17, 2013

I didnt know you could qp the first 5 numbers.  Is that really possible?

In certain states (like TN) you can pick as many or as few numbers as you want on each individual board and let the computer QP the rest.

I don't know about Illinois.

ashabug725's avatarashabug725

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on Dec 17, 2013

In certain states (like TN) you can pick as many or as few numbers as you want on each individual board and let the computer QP the rest.

I don't know about Illinois.

Indiana too!!!!

Jani Norman's avatarJani Norman

Tuesday Night Winning Numbers;

8-20-14-17-39 MB-7

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by Jani Norman on Dec 17, 2013

Tuesday Night Winning Numbers;

8-20-14-17-39 MB-7

Those look like good multiple winner #'s, no high number coming out of nowhere this time lol

I'd be surprised if nobody won tonight!

dognabit

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Dec 17, 2013

Those look like good multiple winner #'s, no high number coming out of nowhere this time lol

I'd be surprised if nobody won tonight!

I agree. All low numbers, birthdays, ages, anniversary...etc...etc.

Toronto

Did they announce sales during the drawing?

Table

Win$500Quick's avatarWin$500Quick

Quote: Originally posted by Toronto on Dec 17, 2013

Did they announce sales during the drawing?

I saw the drawing live and they stated it was "$636 Million the annuity value".

bob27's avatarbob27

hi. i just matched all 5 numbers and mega ball number... how long it takes before i get my money?

Guest

I got some bad news.  Someone won the lottery.  It's from San Jose

So far one person won so far.

@Kfinews

 

I found out on twitter.

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by on Dec 17, 2013

I got some bad news.  Someone won the lottery.  It's from San Jose

So far one person won so far.

@Kfinews

 

I found out on twitter.

twitterWhat?

Just wait for the official news to come out on which states has winners.

Last time it got this big, there were "winners" everywhere along with pictures

of the "winning ticket" showing up all over the internet.

DisplacedLurker

Darn, lol. I was hoping for a rollover. It's funny, but for this drawing, the numbers could have come from the old matrix and no one would have known!

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by bob27 on Dec 17, 2013

hi. i just matched all 5 numbers and mega ball number... how long it takes before i get my money?

Congratulations, bob27, on your soon to be winfall! Smiley Santa Rudolph Snowman

It depends, you could quickly, legally form a corporation (day traders, or whatever) tomorrow, allow 1.8 months for it to "season," then claim under the corporations name (owner's names probably wouldn't be anamous though) ...

or ...

do whatever below member's ideas that would be less than 48.4% or whatever fed plus state taxes taken out of advertized/anuitized or lump sum amount.  Cheers!

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by HaveABall on Dec 17, 2013

Congratulations, bob27, on your soon to be winfall! Smiley Santa Rudolph Snowman

It depends, you could quickly, legally form a corporation (day traders, or whatever) tomorrow, allow 1.8 months for it to "season," then claim under the corporations name (owner's names probably wouldn't be anamous though) ...

or ...

do whatever below member's ideas that would be less than 48.4% or whatever fed plus state taxes taken out of advertized/anuitized or lump sum amount.  Cheers!

I can't believe you answered that stupid fool !!Unhappy

Don't give him the attention he desperately came here to seek.

bob27's avatarbob27

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Dec 17, 2013

I can't believe you answered that stupid fool !!Unhappy

Don't give him the attention he desperately came here to seek.

it was nice for me to win over 600 millions... what should i do with it?

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Dec 17, 2013

I can't believe you answered that stupid fool !!Unhappy

Don't give him the attention he desperately came here to seek.

LOL

Guest

Now It's confirmed we have one winner.

 

Even Abc official said now.

 

@Abc

 

Congratulation one lucky winner from california.  I just won 1.00 dollar today.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by on Dec 17, 2013

I got some bad news.  Someone won the lottery.  It's from San Jose

So far one person won so far.

@Kfinews

 

I found out on twitter.

Nobody finds out sh*t on Twitter.

Just another Twit with a Tweet.

mnsweeps

I got 17 and 20 in one line...thats it...guess I won ziltch.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on Dec 17, 2013

Nobody finds out sh*t on Twitter.

Just another Twit with a Tweet.

@abc tweeted

bob27's avatarbob27

why u guys dont believe me...i am from illinois... u willl see one winner from there and its me...<snip> it...whats wrong with you people !!!

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

mnsweeps

Jennifer Gift shop in San Jose CA sold it....Darn, I have been to that shop many times as my bro in law lives in SJC...

Todd's avatarTodd

It's California and Georgia.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

How many winners?

Guest

I can't believe twitter break the news fast .   It's only take 5 minute to declare the winner.

 

Congrats to all the winner.  We have wait another day to dream a billion dollars jackpot?

Piaceri

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Dec 17, 2013

It's California and Georgia.

Well shoot.

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Quote: Originally posted by BBLL on Dec 17, 2013

@abc tweeted

Yeah, I saw. Well, I still hate Twitter.Yes Nod

Toronto

Quote: Originally posted by on Dec 17, 2013

I can't believe twitter break the news fast .   It's only take 5 minute to declare the winner.

 

Congrats to all the winner.  We have wait another day to dream a billion dollars jackpot?

If they combined Power cost & Mega odds, they'd hit a billion easily and quickly Big Grin Actually, that game would be very close in structure (odds vs. population, as well as cost of a ticket) as Euromillions

Welcome to social media, where news can break faster than traditional sources

Guest

Quote: Originally posted by Arrowhead on Dec 17, 2013

Yeah, I saw. Well, I still hate Twitter.Yes Nod

Did I break the news last time. No one won the jackpot 425 million?

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Quote: Originally posted by on Dec 17, 2013

Did I break the news last time. No one won the jackpot 425 million?

spicy!

Arrowhead's avatarArrowhead

Well, on to the real show...Ohio Lotto Classic numbers for Wednesday...Wink

bigboy90000

Brought 200 tickets at the Georgia state line tickets are in my car maybe its me.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Why is California always winning?

Dr Lottery's avatarDr Lottery

is it   Albany ,Gergia or Dawson,Georgia !! what city in Georgia!!

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Quote: Originally posted by BBLL on Dec 18, 2013

Why is California always winning?

Yeah, and why is it that I never win?

 

Lebron crying

bigboy90000

Tallapoosa Ga or Waco Ga one time

Goteki54's avatarGoteki54

It's also on ABC News Website. Dang, somebody is going to have one dam nice Christmas. When I looked at the low number sum range, I had a gutt feeling someone hit. The funny thing is is that only one number was a cold number that was drawn for the first time tonight. Oh well, I'll play again in 3 month.

Theox-'s avatarTheox-

Quote: Originally posted by BBLL on Dec 18, 2013

Why is California always winning?

Large population = Large amount of players = Higher probability of a winner

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by Theox- on Dec 18, 2013

Large population = Large amount of players = Higher probability of a winner

I might just spending my money to california everytime there is a high jackpot.I guess it is no fun to keep seeing California win.  If I create a national lottery I would ban California from join.

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by BBLL on Dec 18, 2013

Why is California always winning?

Cali got gunplay, models on the runway. Scream Biggie Biggie gimme One More Chance!

pickone4me's avatarpickone4me

Commiefornia won AGAIN!?  Something isn't right with that.  There needs to be an investigation.  And don't give me the higher population excuse either.  They only got 2 bucks from me on friday.  That is the end of playing national games for me.  I am going with state only games,  as I don't want any more of my money going to corrupt california.

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by whiteballz on Dec 18, 2013

Cali got gunplay, models on the runway. Scream Biggie Biggie gimme One More Chance!

What?

BBLL's avatarBBLL

Quote: Originally posted by pickone4me on Dec 18, 2013

Commiefornia won AGAIN!?  Something isn't right with that.  There needs to be an investigation.  And don't give me the higher population excuse either.  They only got 2 bucks from me on friday.  That is the end of playing national games for me.  I am going with state only games,  as I don't want any more of my money going to corrupt california.

Me tooBS

Guest

Do you think we will see one billion jackpot in the future?  When it's going to happen?

 

We need to break Spain lottery record. 900 million jackpot.

bigboy90000

What part of Georgia were the winners tickets purchased?

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by on Dec 18, 2013

Do you think we will see one billion jackpot in the future?  When it's going to happen?

 

We need to break Spain lottery record. 900 million jackpot.

It will happen... 2014 might be the year of the Billion Dollar Jackpot...

You never know, it might be Powerball that does it first lol

Quinto's avatarQuinto

GA winner. CA winner. Anyone else?

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