The Delaware lottery is urging a common-sense approach as the Mega Millions jackpot swells to $363 million and perhaps more.
With no winner from Tuesday, a single winner could opt for a cash payout of $244 million.
“We want people to have fun, but it’s important for them to not get [too] caught up in the ‘jackpot fever’ that they overextend themselves,” said Vernon Kirk, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot prize are 1 in 259 million, which is something we want to make people aware of. In addition, we encourage people to play in the spirit of the Lottery—that is, for entertainment and in support of vital programs in the State of Delaware.”
“It’s an exciting time for lotteries and players across the country, as a jackpot of this scale can generate substantial revenue for state services,” Kirk added. “If everyone plays within their means and spends only what they can reasonably afford, this can be a fun experience with powerful outcomes for everyone.”
The largest record Mega Millions jackpot is $656 million—three tickets shared that jackpot on March 30, 2012.
