MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The rapidly growing Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpot has lottery officials reflecting on its historic numbers.
The Mega Millions lottery is not simply giving one lucky person the opportunity to become a multi-millionaire, but a billionaire now that it has crossed the 1 billion dollar threshold.
Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin says the jackpot’s growth has been amazing to watch.
“Over these past couple days the jackpot has risen substantially to get to 1 billion dollars,” says Polzin.
“Substantially” might be putting it lightly. The jackpot has risen more than $300 million dollars just since Wednesday morning.
You might be wondering, when was the last time the Mega Millions got to a billion dollar jackpot?
“This is the first time ever that Mega Millions has hit the billion dollar mark,” explains Polzin. “So the excitement is pretty incredible.”
Don’t forget about the Powerball, though.
“It’s the eighth largest Powerball,” she says. “It certainly isn’t a small amount of money at $470 million.”
The important thing for potential players to remember is to get their tickets in time. For both the Powerball and Mega Millions, tickets need to be purchased one hour prior to the drawings to be eligible.
“The drawing takes place at 9:59 PM, but you have to purchase your ticket before 9 PM,” explains Polzin.
The cash payout for tonight’s Mega Millions is $565.6 million.
