AMARILLO, TEXAS (AP) -- UPDATE 10:35: Winning numbers 4 8 15 25 47 mega ball 42
UPDATE 5:20: The grand prize for Tuesday night's Mega Millions Lottery drawing has climbed to $355 million. It's the 2nd largest in the games history. People have been lining up to buy tickets in 41 states and here in Amarillo. They're crossing their fingers in hopes they're the next millionaire. But the chance of winning, 1 in 176 million. In fact, you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning.
But that hasn't stopped people from buying tickets. At one local convent store, people, one after another bought tickets, proclaiming they had the winning ticket. So what's their methods to picking those "winning" numbers? People told Pronews 7 from birthdays to fortunate cookie numbers, they trying anything to better their chances.
"Kids birthdays or locker numbers or DOT numbers because he (my husband) drives a big truck," said Amiee Evans, Claims to be the next winner. Evans adds, "with Tuesday being my birthday, we choose that date 1-4-79, maybe that's it".
For the lucky winner, they'll take home $244 million if they choose the cash option. So what are your methods to picking numbers? What would you do with the money if you won? Leave us comments below and be sure to vote in our web poll.
UPDATE 3:20: Due to high sales the Mega Millions jackpot drawing for Tuesday night has been increased from an estimated $330 million to an estimated $355 million. The estimated cash value is now at $224.2 million.
Previously posted:
The clock is ticking down to the Mega Millions jackpot drawing Tuesday worth an estimated $330 million.
The cash option is a staggering $208.3 million.
The game is similar to Powerball - players try to win by matching five regular numbers plus the "Mega ball." Tickets cost $1. Besides the jackpot, prizes range from $2 to $250,000. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday night.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $390 million in 2007. The prize was shared by two players in Georgia and New Jersey.
How would you spend the money? Let us know in the comment section below.
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