DES MOINES, Iowa – Lottery players are gripping their tickets tightly ahead of Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing with an estimated $830 million prize on the line.
The winning numbers? 7-29-60-63-66. Mega ball: 15
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The jackpot would be the nation’s fourth-largest lottery prize and the biggest in more than a year.
The Mega Millions top prize had grown so large because no one has matched the game’s six numbers since April 15. That’s 28 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.
The $830 million prize is for winners who choose the annuity option, paid annually over 30 years. Most winners opt for the cash option, which for Tuesday night’s drawing is an estimated $487.9 million.
News4JAX headed to Northwest Jacksonville, visiting a store known for its lottery luck. The Day N’ Nite Food Store on Lem Turner Road has sold some high-paying tickets over the years.
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In December 2019, one customer purchased a $2 million ticket there. On Tuesday night, customers said they’re hoping the store is still a lucky spot.
“Do a lot of things with that kind of money,” said Roderick Hines. “Buy a lot of stuff. Take care of a lot of business. Pay a lot of bills.”
Ryan Pough told us that hitting the jackpot would allow her to give so much more.
“That would be extremely life-changing, yes. I would help out my mom, my school, my church and just help all my family and friends,” Pough said. “I want to actually open up like an apartment/shelter for homeless people.”
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is coordinated by state lotteries.