BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô An unprecedented jackpot of $500,000,000, half a billion dollars, on Mega Millions is the new estimated amount for Friday night's jackpot draw. The one-time, cash lump sum option is also a record at $359.4 million, before state and federal withholding.

"It's the largest lottery jackpot in the history of the world, and Idaho Lottery players have their chance to win for $1 per play," said Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson. "This is something never witnessed in lottery history. Friday night's Mega Millions jackpot is generating intense excitement from lottery players and non-players alike. Now, more than ever, it's important to remember to please play responsibly. It only takes one ticket to win. Only play what you can afford, don't go overboard."ÔÇï

In the past three Mega Millions draws, two tickets sold in Idaho matched all five of the first numbers, but not the Mega Ball number. They are $250,000 winners and remain unclaimed as of today.ÔÇï

ÔÇïSince late January, there have been 61,500 winning Mega Millions tickets worth $887,000 in prizes sold in Idaho. Last night, a $10,000 winner on Mega Millions was sold in Ada County.

ÔÇï"We are also encouraging all of our players to sign their tickets at the time of purchase," added Anderson. "All lottery tickets are bearer instruments, meaning we pay the person who signs the ticket and presents it for payment."

Should the winner come from a ticket sold in Idaho, the player would have 60 days to elect either the one-time cash lump sum or the 26-payment annuity of approximately $19.23 million per year.ÔÇï

ÔÇïThe last Mega Millions jackpot won in Idaho was an equal split of $380 million, the third largest jackpot in history, from Post Falls, Idaho last January.

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