As it stands now, tonight’s Mega Millions lottery drawing jackpot is the third-highest ever. However, with enough sales, the jackpot could move up the ranks to become the most money ever awarded through Mega Millions.

Mega Millions
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As of Monday morning, the Mega Millions jackpot was estimated at $356 million. Then it grew to $363 million by the afternoon, thanks to stronger-than-expected sales.

The jackpot has been growing since January 24 when Mega Millions had its most recent big winner.

“It’s huge,” said Judy Drucker with the New Jersey Lottery. “It’s a very, very large jackpot.”

Mega Millions is a multi-state drawing with drawings twice a week.

Drucker said Mega Millions ticket sales in all states and provinces since the last jackpot win has reached over $695 million. New Jersey sold more than $46 million worth of tickets.

Drucker continued, “From this roll, the state will receive approximately $19.5 million dollars.”

Excitement for the big prize has spread across the state. A few New Jerseyans shared their dreams with Townsquare Media:

“I would definitely take a long, permanent vacation on a warm, sunny island somewhere.”

“I have four kids; I guess I’d split it up amongst them.”

“I just opened a dance studio, so it would help a lot with the business.”

“I have a list of people that are waiting on line for this, and a lot of donations towards research for cancer.”

“I’d leave New Jersey.”

The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately one in 176 million. The odds of winning any of the Mega Millions prizes are approximately 1 in 40.

A Tinton Falls couple beat the odds and hit the jackpot in last week’s Powerball drawing. Joseph and Celeste Tamburello will receive a $41.5 million lump sum payout. They purchased the winning ticket at Little Silver Family Pharmacy.

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