Mega Millions $168M Jackpot Sold In NH; First In State History

A $168 million-winning ticket was sold in New Hampshire, the first Mega Millions jackpot to be won in the Granite State. The winning numbers in Tuesday, July 23's drawing 1-4-23-40-45 with a Mega Ball of 11.

The ticket was sold at Brookside Market and Deli, according to the Union Leader. The winner can decide to take the whole amount or the one-time cash option of $108 million.

New Hampshire finally joins the list of states with big Mega Millions winners, though it's been the home of many $1 million winners and even a $5 million winner in 2014.

The New Hampshire ticket was the only jackpot winner Tuesday night. A ticket sold in California matched the first five numbers but not the Mega Ball, which is a $1 million win.

The odds of picking the correct numbers on five white balls and one yellow ball (the Mega Ball) are one in 302.6 million. No matter how many people play Mega Millions, the chances of winning never change. The chances of winning are based on the number combinations not the number of players buying tickets.

The Megaplier add-on, which costs an extra dollar, increases non-jackpot prizes by two to five times.

Players pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers – five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25 (the Mega Ball number.) Players can also use an easy pick feature, where a computer selects random numbers for them. To win the jackpot, a player much match all six numbers.

Players who match some of the numbers could still win some money. Here is the payout schedule for lesser prizes, not including the Megaplier, which is different for each game:

• 5 + 0 = $1 million (five numbers by not the Mega Ball)
• 4 + 1 = $10,000 (four numbers and the Mega Ball)
• 4+ 0 = $500 (four numbers without the Mega Ball)
• 3 + 1 = $200 (three numbers and the Mega Ball)
• 3 + 0 = $10 (three numbers but not the Mega Ball)
• 2 + 1 = $10 (two numbers and the Mega Ball)
• 1 + 1 = $4 (one number and the Mega Ball)
• 0 + 1 = $2 (just the Mega Ball)

Mega Millions tickets are $2 each and can be played in 44 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lottery hopefuls had until 10:45 p.m. EST to buy tickets. The drawing is held at 11 p.m. EST in Atlanta.