$660M Jackpot Would Be NJ's Largest Lottery Payout Ever

NEW JERSEY — The Mega Millions jackpot rolled to $660 million for Friday's drawing. If the prize goes to someone in New Jersey, they would become the biggest lottery winner in state history.

The immense jackpot, which started rolling April 19, marks the third-largest prize available in Mega Millions history. The current total would mark the ninth-highest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

The odds of winning are 1 in 302.5 million.

The largest prize in New Jersey Lottery history came in 2018, when then-Vernon resident Richard Wahl purchased a ticket that generated $533 million, according to lotto.com. Wahl took the cash option of $324 million before relocating to Florida. Once federal and state taxes were removed, he ended up with nearly $175 million, the website says.

New Jerseyans won't be the only ones competing for the $660 million prize, as almost every state also participates in the Mega Millions contest. But since the jackpot started rolling April 19, ticket sales have generated $19.1 million for the state, NJ Lottery estimates.

Additionally, retailers have received more than $2.3 million in commissions since the rolle began.

"Buy your tickets early," said NJ Lottery Executive Director James Carey. " ... Players are excited about the chance to win such a life-changing amount of money, so we’re certain that today will be a busy day for our retailers."

The prize has become so large because, in the past three months, 27 straight drawings failed to produce a winner. Each drawing without anyone matching six balls allowed from its $20 million starting point in April.

The future winner can take an annuity option, paid out in 30 installments. But most players choose the cash option, which is $376.9 million for Friday's drawing.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER®.