Mega Millions lottery fever hits New Jersey

<p>Lottery players will have the chance at the nation&rsquo;s third-largest jackpot when the Mega Millions lottery numbers are drawn Friday night.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 13, 2018, 1:38 AM

Updated 2,016 days ago

Share:

Lottery players will have the chance at the nation’s third-largest jackpot when the Mega Millions lottery numbers are drawn Friday night.
The jackpot climbed to $548 million – and residents all over the state are playing the odds.
Many bought tickets at Country Farms Food Market in Fords. The convenience store sells the most lottery tickets in the state, according to the New Jersey Lottery.
“Today is very busy. I just got a little break just now, otherwise the whole day is very busy,” says owner Mark Shah.
Shah says that he has sold many winning lottery tickets in the 19 years he has owned the store, but has never sold a willing Mega Millions ticket.
The $548 million prize refers to the annuity option, which is awarded in 30 payouts. A winner who opted for a cash payout would receive $309 million, minus taxes.
It costs $2 to play the game, but the odds of instant wealth aren't good. The chance of matching all six numbers and winning the jackpot is 1-in-302.5 million.
Mega Millions is played in 44 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report


More from News 12
1:35
Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

0:32
Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

2:02
Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

2:16
Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

1:01
New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

1:54
Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

2:45
Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

1:42
Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

0:27
Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

0:25
Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

0:48
Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

1:37
Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

0:31
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

0:35
How to get rid of unused or expired medications

How to get rid of unused or expired medications

2:51
EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

EPA: Elevated levels of lead found at multiple East Trenton homes, parks

0:36
NJ General Assembly passes bill to combat school bus driver shortage

NJ General Assembly passes bill to combat school bus driver shortage

0:24
Former NJ elementary school employee sentenced for possession of child porn involving at least 79 victims

Former NJ elementary school employee sentenced for possession of child porn involving at least 79 victims

2:32
Main Street New Jersey: Some great food spots to try in South River

Main Street New Jersey: Some great food spots to try in South River

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12