(Mega Millions)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- There's another huge Mega Millions jackpot up for grabs in tonight's drawing--$654 million, with an estimated $372.6 million cash option.
The jackpot hasn't been hit since July 24. The odds of winning are one in 302 million. Massachusetts Lottery Director Michael Sweeney told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker that, with the jackpot rising, more and more people are buying in.
"The pool of people who come in to take a chance on the $2 ticket absolutely expands during this type of time period," Sweeney said.
But Sweeney reminded the public that, if they're going to play, they should do it responsibly.
"I always tell people, regardless of the amount of the jackpot, you want to play responsibly," Sweeney said. "Don't get too caught up in the excitement by spending more than you should. If you usually buy a ticket or two, then that's what you do on this week when you're playing for this type of jackpot."
The Powerball drawing set for Wednesday night is no slouch, either.
"Powerball right now is at approximately $345 million," Sweeney said.
There was a winning Powerball sold last year in Massachusetts worth more than $750 million--so yes, it can happen here.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports