Mega Millions (formerly The Big Game) is a lottery game in the United States. Several U.S. states participate in the game, which has high jackpots (at least 10 million dollars) and low odds of winning. The Big Game began on August 31 of 1996 and had the largest jackpot (363 million dollars) ever won in North America. Mega Millions began on May 15 of 2002, with the first drawing on May 17. Ohio and New York joined at that time, with Washington in September 2002 and Texas in December 2003.

Drawings are held at WSB-TV in Atlanta by the Georgia Lottery at 11pm eastern time on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tickets must be purchased at least 15 minutes prior to drawings, also accounting for local time zone difference. Payouts are over 26 years, but other options like cash vary from state to state. Unclaimed jackpots are refunded to each state to do what is required under their state laws. Tickets are one dollar in all states.

Participating states

• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington

The state of California is soon to join the lottery, perhaps as early as next year.

External link

• http://www.megamillions.com