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Mega Millions Jackpot Leaps to an Unprecedented $640 Million

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Record-breaking Jackpot is Largest Ever in the World

Lottery retailers across Maryland are gearing up for another historic day of Mega Millions sales. “Huge doesn’t begin to describe the size of this jackpot,” said Maryland Lottery Director Stephen Martino. “We’ve actually had to deliver extra rolls of paper to our retailers to make sure they have enough to meet the demand for tickets.”

The frenzy for tickets has caused the jackpot to jump twice in the past two days and it now stands at an unprecedented $640 million dollars, blowing away the previous record by a whopping $250 million. “This is about dreams,” said Martino. “Even people who don’t typically play begin envisioning what they would do with over half a billion dollars.”

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The cash option on the $640 million jackpot is $462 million, which comes out $307.2 million after taxes.  In addition to being a boon to people’s daydreams, the Mega Millions sales rush is also good for Lottery businesses with retailers receiving 5% of each ticket sold. The Lottery retailer who sells the winning ticket will receive an agent bonus of $100,000.

With so much money at stake, the drawing which typically airs at 11:22 pm will be broadcast live on WBAL-TV at 11 pm at the top of the broadcast. Jackpot hopefuls may also see tonight’s drawing results on MPT at 11:53 pm as well as on the Lottery’s website at mdlottery.com. Winning numbers are available at the more than 4,200 Lottery retailers across Maryland. The multi-state Mega Millions game is played in 44 states and jurisdictions – including Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.