Mega Millions Grows to $181 Million

Cash Option for Multi-State Jackpot Grows to More Than $117 Million

April 23, 2009 -- The Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday night has grown to an incredible $181 million. The cash option on this prize is more than $117 million.

The multi-state jackpot game soared after no one hit the $155 million jackpot on Friday. The winning numbers from Friday’s drawing were 9-20-21-48-49. The Mega Ball was 7.

The Massachusetts State Lottery experienced brisk Mega Millions sales leading up to the draw with more than 3,000 tickets a minute sold at peak periods. Bay State players purchased more than 2.3 million tickets for Friday’s draw. Sales for Tuesday’s draw are expected to surpass Friday’s levels.

Lottery players can now receive e-mail notification for Mega Millions and other drawings with the brand-new Massachusetts Lottery Red Carpet VIP Club. The free player service will provide important Lottery news, a tally of jackpot amounts, unparalleled convenience and second-chance opportunities. For more information visit: www.masslottery.com.

Mega Millions is played in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays and aired on WCVB-TV Channel 5 at 11:24 p.m.

In its history, Mega Millions has awarded three jackpots of more than $300 million, including the largest North American jackpot of $390 million. Below are the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in game history.

Amount: Date: States with Winning Tickets:

$390 million                   3/6/2007                      Georgia, New Jersey
$330 million                   8/31/2007                     Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia
$315 million                   11/15/2005                   California
$294 million                   7/2/2004                       Massachusetts
$275 million                   2/22/2008                     Georgia
$270 million                   2/28/2006                     Ohio
$265 million                   4/18/2006                     Ohio
$258 million                   9/16/2005                     New Jersey
$239 million                   2/202004                      Virginia
$216 million                   3/3/2009                       New Jersey