Community Corner

Poll: Are You Trying Your Luck on the Mega Millions Jackpot?

With weeks of unclaimed prize money, the Mega Millions jackpot now stands at a record $476 million for Friday night's drawing. Is it worth a gamble, or just a pointless scramble?

It has been said that there is more chance of being struck by lightening — twice — than there is of winning the lottery. The winning odds for the Mega Millions lottery — hitting all five numbers, plus the mega ball — is 1 in 175,711,536. But with almost half a billion dollars on the line, taking even such a minuscule chance may never have been more attractive.

No one has been able to nab the prize in the past few weeks, so the money has been rolling over and now stands at a record-setting $476 million. Lottery tickets bought in 42 states nationwide will compete for the grand prize, which may grow depending on sales.

If you win, the payout options for the Mega Millions prize include a lump sum of $341 million, or a 26-year annual income boost that amounts to approximately $38,500 per million per year before taxes, according to the Mega Millions website.

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Lottery tickets from California have won the jackpot three times, which is more than any other state.

Is the Mega Millions prize worth a gamble? What would you do with the money if you won? Take the poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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