When times are tough and gas prices soar, many people begin dreaming big by trying their luck at the lottery. Whether it’s a scratch-off or a numbers game, the lotto draws people in with an amazing prize…and sometimes the prize is so big, it’s hard to even conceive of.
Mega Millions, which is now played in 42 states, is garnering a lot of attention lately with staggering jackpots, which are big enough for some people to ignore the incredible odds of winning–1 in 175,711,536, roughly. The latest number is $363 million, which can be divided over a period of 26 years or reduced to $259 million in a lump sum. Even after taxes, that’s a lot of dough. As one Twitter user put it into perspective:
Mega Millions jackpot of $356 million is better than highest athlete career earnings ever (A-Rod at $296M, @Shaq at $292M)
Lots of people are dreaming of what they would do with such an amount:
If I hit this Mega Millions for the 356 million I’m gonna build a new Boys and Girls Club in my city of Mt.Vernon,NY. That’s #ruckus
RT @ajc: Mega Millions jackpot is $363M — might pay off my credit cards. http://t.co/zn1qmRRb
Mega Millions is at $356 million? Umm yes please. If and when I win I’m taking all my followers to Tahiti!
The numbers will be drawn tonight, and the retailer who sells the winning ticket will also get a nice little prize: $50,000.