Salem, Ore. – If you are feeling envious of the California Powerball winner who took the top prize last week, you’re in luck. Players have another chance to win a jackpot almost as large. Mega Millions is projected to be $910 million for Friday’s drawing – the fifth largest in the game’s history.
The Mega Millions jackpot was last won on April 18. Since that date, Oregon Lottery has sold more than $12 million in tickets. Your odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot is one in 302,575,350. The odds of winning any prize are one in 24.
Approximately a third of sales from the game are returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.
Shari Daniels owns the King City Liquor Store and started working in the store decades ago when her father ran the business. With the two recent jackpots, her sales have grown by more than 40% in the past two weeks.
“I see the excitement from our customers,” said Daniels. “We have a lot of regulars, and they know we’ve had winning tickets purchased in our store. Big jackpots also help drive our walk-in traffic.”
Oregon retailers who sell lottery tickets earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower-tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.
Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
