Mega Millions Jackpot On Friday Expected To Be $1.1 Billion: Update

Update: 4:38 p.m. on July 28: Lottery officials said Thursday that the jackpot for Mega Millions is expected to be $1.1 billion, with a one-time cash payout of $648.2 million.

The original post is below.

CONCORD, NH — There was no jackpot winner for Mega Millions on Tuesday, which means Friday’s drawing is expected to be more than $1 billion.

Charlie McIntyre, the executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery, said it would be the fourth largest jackpot in U.S. history and the fourth time a jackpot reached $1 billion. He said the one-time cash payout, before taxes, would be around $602.5 million.

Because New Hampshire lottery billboards and signs in stores only have three digits, they only go up to $999, he said.

“More than $1 billion — yes, with a ‘B.’ Now we’re talking,” McIntyre said. “This Mega Millions jackpot is literally off the charts … It’s a good problem to have, seeing this projected jackpot approaching nearly unprecedented heights in advance of Friday’s drawing.”

McIntyre said he was hoping New Hampshire would have another winner on Friday.

“Just think about all the things you could buy with an extra $1 billion in your pocket; the possibilities are endless,” he added. “$1 billion could buy you an armada of super-yachts, your own private island (or two or three), a fleet of private jets, even a week-long family vacation in space at the International Space Station, all with money to spare.”

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. Tickets are on sale at more than 1,200 retailers statewide and online at NH iLottery.

For more information and to play, visit nhlottery.com.

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