Mega Millions pushes towards record prize

CLIVE — The Mega Millions jackpot is now the second largest in game history, reaching an estimated $1.35 billion annuity, $707.9 million cash option, for Friday's drawing.

In addition to being one of the biggest jackpots in Mega Millions, the giant prize is now the fourth-highest U.S. lottery jackpot. It follows the world-record Powerball® jackpot of $2.04 billion won in early November.

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached this level because it has been growing for nearly three months. It was last won Oct. 14.

Overall, Mega Millions was won six times in 2021 and six times in 2022. The game's drawings occur at 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

An Iowa Ticket Came Close On Tuesday. Iowa Lottery players won a total of 42,591 prizes in Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing, including a ticket that was just one number away from having at least a share of that night's big jackpot.

That ticket initially matched four of the first five numbers and the Mega Ball to win a $10,000 prize. However, the person who bought the ticket added the Megaplier option to the purchase, which multiplied the prize to $30,000.

The $30,000-winning ticket was purchased at Casey's, 418 S. Seventh St. in Chariton.

Tuesday's winning numbers were: 7-13-14-15-18 and Mega Ball 9. The Megaplier number was 3.