Mega Millions jackpot pushed to $363 million

[CMF Newsman]

Increased sales have pushed the already-incredibly high Mega Millions jackpot from $356 million to $363 million for Tuesday night.

"Players are excited, sales are on the rise, and it's all for a great cause," said Rebecca Hargrove, President and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. "Jackpots this huge are rare—and more and more folks like to join in—so don't wait until the last minute to purchase your ticket. And, as always, we want to remind people to sign their ticket and also to play responsibly. It only takes one ticket to win."

Tuesday's jackpot is the third largest in the game's history and just $2 million shy of being the third largest in U.S. lottery history. The record-high Mega Millions jackpot of $390 million was won on March 6, 2007.

The second largest of $380 million was won just over a year ago on Jan. 4, 2011. A Powerball jackpot of $365 million was won Feb. 18, 2006.

www.wrcbtv.com/story/17257149/mega-millions-jackpot-pushed-to-363-million-for-tuesdays-drawing

[Gary]

I might even buy a ticket. Heck, I might even buy two.

[ssmynkint]

YUp. The more money, the better the odds........

[Deleted]

Buying one ticket increases your odds of winning enormously. Buying the second ticket not so much.

[gridbug]

Buying one ticket increases your odds of winning enormously.

Not really, the difference is statistically insignificant. You are more likely to not survive purchasing the ticket than you are to win.

I pay enough in involuntary taxes, I'll pass on this voluntary one.

[Gary]

No, the odds are indeed increased by the purchase of a ticket. You have no chance of winning without one.

The odds are actually a bit interesting. Overall, you have a 1 in 40 chance of winning any prize and a 1 in 306.11 for winning at least a $10 prize.

However, the odds of winning the entire jackpot? 1 in 175,711,536. Which is still better than 0 in 175,711,536 odds of not buying a ticket at all.

[joedog]

Gary has a point.
You can't win if you don't play.....
Actually Gary, its 0 in 7,000,000,000+ if you don't buy a ticket. And t5hat number goes up by the second.

[ssmynkint]

And t5hat number goes up by the second.

To infinite and beyond!

[Tsavodiner]

Mar 27, 2012 8:17:15 GMT -5 Gary said:

I might even buy a ticket. Heck, I might even buy two.

I accept your generous offer, and agree for you to split the proceeds if you prevail....

[Bob]

I think my odds are better.
by not spending it on a ticket, at the end of the day I have a dollar.

The only winners as far as the lottery goes are the execs and the politicians being paid... er I mean accepting contributions...

[joedog]

$476 million now. broken down to the 25 year payout in TN you looking at somewhere in the range of $12.7 million a year over the next 25.

Yea I am gonna spend a dollar this next time.