Mega Millions posts $1.28 billion jackpot for tonight’s drawing

The Mega Millions® jackpot jumped again ahead of tonight’s drawing. The estimated jackpot now stands at $1.28 billion, with a cash value of $747.2 million.

It’s the second largest Mega Millions prize ever. Tonight’s drawing will be the thirtieth in this jackpot run, which began April 19 after the jackpot was won in Tennessee on April 15.

Players can increase the prize amounts on non-jackpot winning tickets by adding the “Megaplier” feature for $1 per play.

“It’s hard not to be excited to see a jackpot grow like this one,” said Jeff Hewitt, president of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation, “but we also want to remind players to play responsibly.

For games drawing Saturday, the Powerball® jackpot is $170 million, and Mississippi Match 5’s estimated jackpot is worth $421,000. For daily games, Cash 4 features a top prize of $5,000 and Cash 3 offers players a chance to win up to $500 per play.

Cash 3 & Cash 4 double up

Beginning Sunday, Cash 3 and Cash 4 players will be able to enjoy the games twice a day. Both games will draw at 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. each day. Also, the new FIREBALL feature offers Cash 3 and Cash 4 players more opportunities to win. Players who purchase the option can use the FIREBALL number drawn to replace a number on their ticket to create winning combinations. FIREBALL doubles the cost of each play. Learn about FIREBALL and all of the Mississippi Lottery products at www.mslotteryhome.com

Where to play

The Mississippi Lottery has 1,900 retailers throughout the state. Find a retailer near you on our website.

Watch the drawings

Watch the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings live on WJTV in Jackson, WXXV on the Gulf Coast, WCBI in Columbus, WMDN and WGBC in Meridian or WHLT in Hattiesburg, or go watch the live drawing on your computer or smartphone at the Mississippi Lottery website, www.mslotteryhome.com.

Players also can check their numbers at retail locations or the lottery website.