Mega Millions jackpot grows to $415 million

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Mega Millions jackpot has reached 415-million dollars. It’s the third largest Mega Millions jackpot in the game’s history and the ninth biggest if you include Powerball. It’s also the biggest prize available through Mega Millions since December 2013.

You could collect the $415-million over 30 years or take the cash pay-out of about $286-million dollars.

Tuesday was the 32nd consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner, so millions will try again Friday night.

The only other major multi-state lottery is Powerball. It’s had the biggest jackpots recently, including that record shattering $1.59 billion dollar pot in January and a $430-million pool won in May.

Mega Millions other big pots were claimed in March 2012 and December 2013. Both were about $650-million.

Mega Millions is just a dollar to play though, while Powerball tickets are two-dollars. And your odds are a little better with Mega Millions. The chances of hitting all five white ball numbers and the “Easy Pick” yellow ball are 1 in 259 million, compared to Powerball’s 1 in 292 million. You’re more likely to become a saint (1 in 20,000,000), become president (1 in 10,000,000), win an Olympic gold medal (1 in 662,000), win an Oscar (1 in 11,500), or date a millionaire (1 in 215), according to Forbes Magazine.

As people rush into stores across the 44 participating states Friday, the jackpot could grow. The drawing is Friday night at 11 o’clock.