Half a billion! Mega Millions drawing tonight is mega

With $510 million at stake, Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot is the second largest of the year. In July, the jackpot surpassed $1 billion, sparking a frenzy before it was claimed. The current prize is the eleventh largest in the 20-year history of this lottery.

The draw will take place at 8pm and will be streamed live on the Mega Millions YouTube page.

The odds of winning today’s jackpot are 1 in 303 million. According to the National Weather Service, the odds of a person being struck twice by lightning are 1 in 234 million – more likely than winning the jackpot.

The North American Assn. of State and Provincial Lotteries says Americans spent more than $100 billion on lottery products in 2021. Mega Millions funds remaining after withdrawals will be split between the 45 participating states plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

The association also cites a study by software company Vision Critical (now called Alida) showing that nearly a quarter of American lottery players – 23% – have an income of less than $25,000. In California, a two-person household with this income level qualifies for Medi-Cal.