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Tonight's Mega Millions Jackpot Raised to $200 Million

Due to increased sales, the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday night’s drawing has been increased from an estimated $196 million to an estimated $200 million.  This marks the second time a Mega Millions jackpot prize has reached $200 million or more since Missouri began selling the game on January 31.  The cash option for tonight’s drawing is now worth approximately $127.3 million.

“This is a big one, and we’re very happy that Missouri Lottery players have the opportunity to play for such a large jackpot prize,” said May Scheve Reardon, executive director for the Missouri Lottery.  “At the same time, we want to remind all of our players to play responsibly and within their means.

 “We always say that whether a jackpot is just starting out, or whether it has grown to hundreds of millions of dollars, it still only takes $1 to win,” she added.

Since Missouri started offering the game, nine Missouri Lottery players have won prizes of $250,000 or more, including a $1 million prize claimed by a Mansfield man in April.

Players have until 8:59 p.m. tonight to purchase Mega Millions tickets in Missouri.

 The Missouri Lottery reminds players to:

• Play early to avoid potentially long lines. The terminals will shut down at 8:59 p.m. Tuesday, and no one will be able to buy tickets after that time.
• Play within your means.
• When you buy a ticket, sign it immediately and keep it in a safe place.  Like money, it is a bearer instrument.
• Be sure to check your ticket closely.  Even if you don’t win the jackpot, you may have won one of eight other prizes in the game.
• For more information, visit the Mega Millions page at Molottery.com.