Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot

Lottery jackpots are a major source of revenue for lotteries. Not only do they increase ticket sales, but they also earn free publicity on newscasts and websites. A super-sized jackpot also increases the chances that a player will win something. And it also drives up stakes and public interest.

In this latest jackpot run, more than 42.5 million tickets were sold for all prize levels. In addition to the jackpot, there were also 68 second-tier prizes worth more than a million dollars. Winners of these second-tier prizes came from 24 states across the country. That means that the jackpot amount was at least $425 million.

The Mega Millions jackpot has the third-largest jackpot in United States history, and a winner may be able to receive all $780.5 million in a lump sum, or split it into 30 years. However, the winner is also likely to have to pay state income tax. In Illinois, lottery winnings are taxed at 4.95%, which is lower than the federal rate. However, winners from higher-tax states may owe more than that.

Winning the lottery is a dream come true for many people. The next step is to protect and manage your new wealth. This includes protecting your identity from scammers and long-lost friends. In addition, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer or financial planner to manage your new wealth.