BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Friday night will become a hallmark in history for lotteries around the world as this historic Mega Millions jackpot keeps getting bigger. This morning, the estimated jackpot for the 26-payment annuity for Friday night was raised to $540,000,000. As the excitement towards the draw continues to increase, the Idaho Lottery is taking additional precautions to provide as much information and caution for players taking part in this unique historic event.

"Since we announced the half-billion dollar jackpot for Friday night, we've seen some extraordinary interest in playing the Lottery in Idaho," said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. "Regular players, casual players, family pools, office pools, everyone seems to be jumping into the game for their chance at winning."ÔÇï

ÔÇïAt $540,000,000 for the 26-payment annuity option, a single winner would receive $20.76 million per year for 25 years. That translates into $1.73 million per month or $56,902 per day. If the winner chooses to take the one-time cash lump sum, also a world record at 389.8 million, they must do so within 60 days of presenting their winning ticket for payment.

The Idaho Lottery is anticipating heavier than normal activity in its retail locations through Friday night, especially toward the end of sales prior to the draw. The Idaho Lottery recommends not waiting until the last minute to purchase your tickets for Friday night's Mega Millions draw. Ticket sales close at 7:55 p.m. Mountain time, 6:55 p.m. Pacific Time.ÔÇï

ÔÇï"As Friday night approaches, keep in mind that it only takes one, $1 ticket to win. Each play has the same odds of winning," said Anderson.

ÔÇïPlayers, though, are not the only winners from this increased interest in playing the lottery. The Idaho Lottery was established to benefit Idaho public schools and the state of Idaho's permanent building fund. Big jackpot runs like this one benefit all of the state. About twenty-five cents of every dollar played on the Idaho Lottery is returned to the citizens in the form of dividends.

ÔÇï"It's important to keep in mind that when everyone plays, everyone wins in Idaho," added Anderson. "We say it all the time that every play pays, and it is true. Every dollar played on the Lottery comes back to the state in one form or another, whether it's in the form of prizes to players, commissions to retails for selling tickets, or dividends for our good causes."

ÔÇï"We are encouraging all of our players to sign their tickets at the time of purchase," added Anderson. "All lottery tickets are bearer instruments, meaning we pay the person who signs the ticket and presents it for payment."

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