Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $800M ahead of tonight’s drawing

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an estimated $800 million, with the next drawing scheduled for tonight.

No one matched the winning numbers over the weekend, pushing the prize higher. The jackpot now ranks as the 10th-largest in Mega Millions history.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever recorded was $1.6 billion, won by a single ticket in August 2023.

Ticket sales at Midlands retailers have picked up ahead of the drawing. Lucius Jones, manager of an Amoco Gas Station, said customers are coming in and spending as much as $50 on tickets.

“Yeah, it’s exciting, seeing the people come in and buy them. Some of them do 50 dollars. They say, ‘If I win, I’m coming back and giving you some money.’ That’s what makes me feel some excitement,” Jones said.

Tickets must be purchased before tonight’s cutoff at 10 p.m.

Mega Millions is not the only major jackpot available this week.

The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $633 million after no one matched the winning numbers Monday night.

That drawing is scheduled for Wednesday.

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