The Mega Millions jackpot has continued to climb, now reaching a staggering $515 million, making it the eighth largest in the game’s history. Tuesday’s drawing did not produce a winner, bringing the prize money up to this astronomical amount. The next chance for players to try their luck will be on Friday, September 10 at 11 p.m. EST. To play, individuals must select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Alternatively, they can have a computer generate a random Quick Pick. The cost per ticket is $2, with the option to add a Megaplier for an extra $1. While the chances of winning the jackpot are slim – 302,575,350-to-1 – this has not deterred enthusiastic players from purchasing tickets. In fact, the Mega Millions lottery has seen record-breaking numbers in recent years, with $1 billion in prize money distributed in 2018 alone. The largest US lottery jackpot ever was a staggering $1.586 billion, won in a Powerball drawing in 2016. However, the Mega Millions game is not far behind, with its top 10 jackpots ranging from $1.537 billion to $656 million. For those curious about the odds, matching all five white balls pays out at 12,607,306-to-1, but matching the Mega Ball alone awards a smaller prize of $2. While the last Mega Millions jackpot winner emerged in February 2021, claiming a $96 million prize in New York, many are hoping that the upcoming drawing will produce a new victor. Whether players opt for a Quick Pick or prefer to select their own numbers, the anticipation surrounding this massive jackpot has produced a feverish excitement among ticket buyers. With the chance to potentially change one’s life with a single ticket, it’s no wonder why the Mega Millions lottery continues to captivate audiences across the United States.