Desert Residents Clamor For $363 Million Mega Millions Jackpot

The estimated jackpot for today’s multi-state Mega Millions lottery is $363 million, the third largest in the history of the game, which began in 1996.

Only the $390 million million jackpot for the March 6, 2007, drawing and the $380 million jackpot for the Jan. 4, 2011, drawing have been larger.

No tickets with all six numbers have been sold since the Jan. 24 drawing, 17 drawings ago. Tickets will be sold until 7:45 p.m and the draw will be held just before 8 p.m.

The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number is 1 in 175,711,536, according to the Mega Millions website. The overall chance of winning a prize is 1 in 40.

The Mega Millions game is played in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With the jackpot at a near-record level, California Lottery officials reminded the public that borrowing money to play the lottery, spending above a person’s budget or using money intended for other purposes can ultimately lead to significant problems for players and their families.

People with gambling problems or knowing individuals with gambling problems are advised to call the Problem Gambling Help Line, (800) Gambler.