Mega Millions Reaches 3rd Largest Jackpot In History: $660 Million

CONCORD, NH — Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot has reached another record: $660 million expected, the third largest in the history of the lottery game, according to officials.

No one has won Mega Millions, the twice-a-week game, since mid-April. During the past two weeks, it has vaulted into record-breaking prize sizes.

On Tuesday, New Hampshire had a $1 million winning ticket, too. Cheryl Vossen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, purchased a ticket at the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet location at the Portsmouth rotary and matched five of the numbers.

“If the weather lately has been any indication, the Mega Millions jackpot is only continuing to heat up,” Charlie McIntyre, the executive director of the lottery, said. “We are thrilled for our players, who now have a chance to win the third-largest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. I also want to extend congratulations to Cheryl for her $1 million win in Tuesday’s drawing. We’re hoping that luck carries into tonight’s drawing with a Granite State player winning the $660 million jackpot.”

Vossen and her husband, Brian, picked up their check on Thursday at lottery headquarters in Concord.

The couple was in the state for the Ambetter 301 NASCAR Race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon on Sunday. They left Loudon on Monday, stopped in Portsmouth, and purchased $10 in Easy Pick tickets after hearing about the record-breaking jackpot amount on the radio.

Vossen, lottery officials said, was “still in shock” when claiming the prize. It was only the second time they had played. The couple had no immediate plans to spend the money but did mention they would like to go on vacation to the Maldives.

Friday’s jackpot is expected to have a one-time cash payout of $376.9 million before taxes.

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