Megaball Lottery

Mega Millions is a multi-jurisdictional $1 lottery game in the United States. There are 12 jurisdictions that have Mega Millions, while 33 others, including the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands, offer Powerball, Mega Millions' main competitor. There are some differences in playing Mega Millions among its jurisdictions.

Since May 2002, Mega Millions advertised jackpots have started at US $12 million paid over 26 years, increasing when there is no jackpot winner.

Reflecting common practice among American lotteries, the jackpot is advertised as a nominal value of annual installments. A lump sum (cash value) option, when chosen by a jackpot winner (see below), pays the approximate present value of the installments.

Mega Ball Millions is drawn every Tuesday and Friday, including all holidays.

With Florida joining Powerball on January 4, 2009, the Mega Millions group is considering major changes to its game. One proposal would keep the matrixes at 5/56 + 1/46; however, the ticket cost would become $2. The lower-tier prizes would be increased, and a $2 (break-even) prize would be introduced for a 2+0 match. Perhaps most notable is that second prize (5+0) would become either a $1 million cash prize, or, be annuitized in 20 annual payments, with a fixed (e.g. $588,000) cash option. Also, the advertised jackpot would start at $20 million, compared to the current $12 million.

In March 2009, it was reported that New Jersey, already a Mega Millions state, would seek permission to join Powerball. Shortly after New Jersey announced its desire to sell both games, discussions were revealed about possibly allowing each U.S. lottery to sell tickets for both Mega Millions and Powerball. On October 13, 2009 the "Mega Millions consortium and Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) have reached an agreement in principle to cross-sell Mega Millions and Powerball in all U.S. lottery jurisdictions" possibly as early as 2010.

Ken Silver's Silver Lotto System.