MEGA JACKPOT: Mega Millions jackpot grows to $540 million

The Mega Millions jackpot has increased to $540 million for Friday night’s drawing, according to New York State Gaming officials.

Tuesday night was the 34th consecutive drawing without a victor.

Mega Millions is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “It looks like the tipping point might be right about now”.

The odds of matching all 6 numbers in Friday’s Mega Millions drawing are 1 in 258.9 million. “We account for run-ups in our fiscal year budget, but jackpot games are unpredictable”.

Mega Millions isn’t the only game in town, of course. A $1 Mega Millions ticket gives a player an infinitesimally better 0.0000000039% (still eight zeroes) chance at a win. Those are the only two Mega Millions jackpots in history higher than Friday night’s estimated prize.

Tickets for Friday’s drawing can be purchased until 10:45 p.m. that day.

For those who aren’t willing to travel south of the border to get their hands on what could be a winning ticket, privately-operated websites can help.

Such bumps are common in Mega and Powerball when their jackpots reach $300 million or more. There was no word yet on the cash option on the new jackpot. It’s a feat with extremely long odds – about 259 million to one.

Powerball is played in 44 states, the District of Columbia and two USA territories. It paid out a $1.6 billion pot in January, and in May there was a $430 million prize.