Mega Millions jackpot is second-largest ever at $355M

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The jackpot for Tuesday night’s Mega Millions drawing is $355 million, the second highest jackpot in the history of the multi-state lottery. And like the jackpot, the odds of winning are in the multi-millions.

This jackpot has rolled over 15 times since the drawing on Nov. 12, according to a release from the Illinois Lottery.

Previous biggest jackpots were $330 million on Aug. 31, 2007; $336 million on Aug. 28, 2009; and the largest of $390 million on March 6, 2007, the release said.

Tuesday’s jackpot is also the fourth largest in U.S. history, and a winner selecting a lump sum payment would get about $224 million.

While such a sizable jackpot may cause a surge in the number of people playing Mega Millions on Tuesday, they should keep in mind that their chances of winning the grand prize are minuscule. Mega Millions players have about a one in 176 million chance of winning.

If the jackpot rolls again after tonight’s drawing, the estimated new amount will be $480 million, the highest in Mega Millions history. After Tuesday, the next will take place in Times Square in New York City on Friday.