BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Last call for tonight┬┤s historic, world record-setting Mega Millions jackpot is 7:55 p.m. Mountain Time (6:55 p.m. Pacific Time). This morning, the jackpot for the 26-payment annuity was raised another $100,000,000 million to $640,000,000 with a one-time lump sum cash option of $462,000,000.

"Mega Millions mania has been sweeping Idaho the past couple of days," said Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson. "In the past two days, we've seen an increase in play eight times the normal rate of participation. When you do participate, please remember to do so responsibly. Tickets are only $1 each and it does only take one ticket to win."

Retailers around Idaho have reported lines of customers waiting to get their tickets. In the past two days, Idaho has sold over $1.3 million in tickets. The Idaho Lottery is anticipating an increase in player participation as the end of sales for tonight's jackpot draws closer.

"We encourage players who want to take part in this historic event and have their chance at winning the largest jackpot in the history of the world to buy their tickets early in the day and not wait until just before the close of sales," added Anderson. "Players should sign their tickets at the time of purchase. All lottery tickets are bearer instruments, meaning we pay the person who signs the ticket and presents it for payment."

The draw for the winning numbers occurs at 9 p.m. Mountain Time (8 p.m. Pacific Time) and can be seen live throughout Idaho. Players who would like to watch the live draw can check https://www.idaholottery.com/games/draw-times-stations for times and stations in their area.

Players can check their tickets for winners by visiting idaholottery.com after the draw, by calling the Idaho Lottery┬┤s winning numbers hotline (208-334-4656), or checking their tickets at Idaho Lottery retail locations. Given the high level of public interest in this jackpot, players may also be able check the winning numbers by watching their late local news or seeing the numbers in their local newspapers Saturday morning.

"Too often players think they did not have a winning ticket because they did not match the Mega Ball," said Anderson. "There are a lot of other prizes in this game besides being the jackpot winner and we encourage all of our players to check their tickets carefully for winners."

In addition to the top prize, Mega Millions also has eight other levels of prizes, ranging from $2 for matching the Mega Ball only, up to $1,000,000 for matching only the first five numbers and having the Megaplier.

"Good luck Idaho and thank you for playing!" said Anderson.

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