Mega Millions Jackpot Soars To $1.25B; Where To Buy Tickets In RI

CRANSTON, RI — The Mega Millions jackpot will be at least $1.25 billion in Friday night’s drawing, spurring a rush to buy tickets in Rhode Island.

The jackpot soared after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Tuesday: 8, 24, 30, 45, 61 and the Mega Ball of 12.

Jackpot winners have two options — to collect winnings through an annuity, with annual payments spread across 30 years, or to take the cash option — an estimated $625.3 million in Friday’s drawing. Winners may be subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.

To be eligible for drawings, held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m., tickets must have been purchased that day by 9:50 p.m. under Rhode Island lottery law.

Friday’s drawing will be the 31st since the jackpot was last won in New York on April 18, according to Mega Millions.

The odds of winning the jackpot are deplorable — about 1 in 302.6 million.
The odds of winning smaller prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million are significantly better.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.