Tonight is the night where someone in New Jersey could walk away with one of the largest jackpots in the history of the Mega Millions lottery, but keep in mind the sales of tickets have been higher than expected - creating a higher than expected jackpot, but more competition for enough money to make all of your dreams come true.

The Mega Millions jackpot is set at $363 Million, which is about 9 million more than initially expected.  The sales for tonight's drawing did exceed expectations, which in turn boosted the jackpot.  The $363 Million prize makes tonight's drawing 3rd largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.  The lump-sum cash option would be around $260 Million - the highest lump sum in Mega Millions history!  Should nobody hit tonight, it would be a lock to see the Mega Millions jackpot to exceed $400 Million - the largest in U.S. Lottery history.

New Jersey Lottery retailers should be able to sell tickets until 10:45pm tonight (according to the Mega Millions website), so you still have time to get your tickets ($1 to play, or $2 with the Multiplier - see website for more details).  The only question now is what numbers to play?

The machine can pick the numbers for you, but I have been playing the same numbers for about 3 years - have had better success with those numbers than the random pick of the computer. The Mega Millions website does have a page which does a Random Ball Generator, giving you numbers to play to fill out your ticket (should you want the help).

Random experiment: give me one number to play for the Mega Millions tonight (between 1 - 54), and explain why you would play that number.  The first 6 people to do that before 7pm, I will play those numbers, and if the numbers create the winning Mega Millions ticket then I will cut you in for 5%.  I'll be waiting for your ideas.

 

More From SoJO 104.9 FM