Mega Millions primer before Friday's $1.02 billion drawing
Winning $1 billion would probably change anyone's life.
On Friday, someone may do just that in the Mega Millions lottery game. They'll have to beat odds of 1 in 302.5 million, but that's about as crazy as thinking about someone winning $1 billion or taking the lump sum payment of $602.5 million cash.
FYI: the actual jackpot is $1.02 billion, but that extra $20 million will be relative pocket change.
First thing
People are going to know.
Well, people are going to know if the winner bought their ticket in North Carolina, which requires the state to release the name of the person who won along with their hometown.
Some states, including South Carolina, allow winners to remain anonymous.
In fact, a South Carolina store sold the largest Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket ever — worth $1.537 billion for the Oct. 23, 2018, drawing. The winner chose to remain anonymous. Go figure.
If won, the $1.02 billion jackpot would be the fourth largest in U.S. history and third largest jackpot in the history of the Mega Millions game.
Long lines
Expect long lines at convenience stores selling lottery tickets on Friday even if you only want to purchase a couple gallons of gasoline.
In April, when the jackpot started rolling at $20 million, the average daily sales for Mega Millions in North Carolina was $178,000. The average daily sales in July top $1 million in North Carolina, according to state lottery officials.
A $1 billion jackpot will only add to the frenzy.
Other ways to win
Huge jackpots bring out new players. Remember, Mega Millions (and its sidekick Powerball) payout thousands of other prizes.
There are nine ways to win on a Mega Millions ticket.
Match just the Mega Ball? You're a winner. Match the Mega Ball and other numbers and you win more prizes — up to $1 million.
At least three numbers drawn from the white balls must match to win a prize if the Mega Ball does not match.
Add $1 to the $2 Mega Millions ticket and those who win can multiply their payout up to five times.
Fast fact: 180,179 tickets sold in in North Carolina won a prize in the Tuesday, July 26 drawing.
How to play
Mega Millions has numbers from 1 to 70.
Players can pick their own six numbers, which includes the Mega Ball, or they can play a "quick pick" ticket where the lottery machine randomly selects numbers.
Mega Millions drawings take place Tuesdays and Fridays.
Powerball drawings take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Mega Millions numbers
47 — Mega Millions is played in 47 jurisdictions, 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
29 —That’s how many Mega Millions drawings have occurred in a row since jackpot was last won on April 15.
6 — That’s how many times the Mega Millions jackpot was won in 2021.
76 — That's how many cents goes toward education in North Carolina for every $2 ticket sold.
16.5 million — The number of dollars raised for education in North Carolina from April 16 to July 26 from Mega Millions sales.
If you really win
1. Sign and secure your ticket: If you win, you must sign the back of your original ticket immediately to establish your ownership. Make sure you keep it in a safe place until you decide to claim your prize.
2. Get professional advice: It’s a good idea to contact a financial and legal adviser to make sure you have a sound plan.
3. Take your time: You have 180 days to claim your winnings, which will give you time to figure out what to do with the money and how it will change your life.
4. Celebrate.
NC Mega Millionaires
James Jones of Greenville won $57 million in 2011
Mike Manheim of Greensboro who won $12.5 million in 2010
Maybe you will be the first Mega Millions billionaire from Gaston County.
You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-201-7016 or email him at kellis@gastongazette.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Mega Millions jackpot and things to know before winning
