While it may be tempting to buy lottery tickets as a low-risk investment, winning a lottery jackpot is a long shot. While jackpots are advertised as hundreds of millions of dollars, they are actually a series of payments over decades. A lump-sum payout, on the other hand, is much smaller. In addition, lottery operators reduce the odds of jackpot winning over time to ensure that they continue to grow larger.
Mega Millions jackpot winners can choose to take the cash in one lump-sum payment or choose to receive 30 annual payments. However, Mega Millions jackpot winners should consult with a financial planner and seek professional advice before making a decision. Fortunately, there are many resources for lottery players to help them decide how to receive their lottery winnings. In fact, lottery experts recommend that lottery winners hire a team of financial advisors who can help them choose the best strategy for their unique situation.
The Mega Millions lottery has been running since 2002. The most recent drawing of this lottery was a $1.337 billion jackpot. The winning numbers were matched to a single ticket sold in Des Plaines, Illinois. The gold Mega Ball matched the number 14. The winner has yet to claim their prize. The odds of winning a lottery jackpot are one in 302,575,350.
The Mega Millions lottery jackpot is one of the largest in US history. This jackpot has been unclaimed for 29 consecutive draws. The last one, on April 15, was worth a record-breaking $1.337 billion. It is estimated that it will take 30 years to pay out the jackpot to the winners.