DES MOINES, Iowa — The Mega Millions jackpot reached an estimated $454 million ahead of its next drawing Tuesday evening, making it potentially the seventh largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.
With slightly — slightly — better odds than the Powerball game, it's rare that nearly four months passes without someone winning a Mega Millions jackpot. It is the longest the game's jackpot has rolled on without a top prize winner.
"This is our longest roll ever, by far," said Paula Otto, executive director of the Virginia Lottery and lead director for Mega Millions, which is managed by a consortium of lottery organizations.
Tuesday could mark the 34th time the jackpot has rolled without a winner. The previous record was 22 rolls in December 2013.
Otto said there are several factors for the lack of a winner, and it includes fewer players. The highest jackpot drawn in the country was a $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot won in January by players in three states.
"It takes much bigger jackpots to get players excited," she said. "It looks like the tipping point might be right about now."
Otto said if there's no winner Tuesday night, the jackpot is expected to grow by more than $50 million.