(Mega Millions)
BRAINTREE (WBZ-AM) -- There's a whole lot of money up for grabs in tonight's multi-state Mega Millions drawing--if you beat the 302,000,000-to-one odds.
The jackpot for the drawing is estimated at around $512 million, and that could go even higher depending on how many tickets are bought leading up to the drawing. The prize's cash option is estimated at around $303.4 million.
Christian Teja, Director of Communications for the Massachusetts State Lottery, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker that's the highest the drawing has been since March.
"It's going to be the 23rd drawing since the jackpot was last hit--that was a $143 million jackpot back in May--but very exciting, over half $1 billion," Teja said.
The last time Mega Millions was won in Massachusetts was a $30.5 million ticket in 2012.
Teja said the structures of some games changed slightly in terms of the numbers one may pick, resulting in some of the higher jackpots seen in recent years. In addition, he said, Mega Millions tickets have gone from $1 to $2.
Teja reminded those playing Mega Millions to play responsibly.
"Play within your means," he said. "We just want people to maintain having fun and playing these games."
In addition, the jackpot in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing is estimated at $147 Million.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports