So far this year, the Mega Millions jackpot has not reached the $300 million mark. However, it looks like that is about to change as the current jackpot for Friday’s drawing is estimated at $291 million with a cash option of $157 million. Friday’s drawing will have the largest Mega Millions jackpot since March 2012 when the jackpot rose to $656 million and was split among winners in Maryland, Kansas and Illinois.

The recent drawings have used the new format of Mega Millions. It is a new matrix that allows for more lower prize payouts, and pushes the jackpot even higher. There were no winners during Tuesday nights drawing which yielded the numbers: 7-12-41-44-59 Megaball 3, Megaplier 3.

The next drawing will take place on Friday, December 6. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs one dollar.

if I win mega millions this week I will pay $50,000 to the first person who brings an xbox one to my parents' house

— Chris Ziegler (@zpower) November 28, 2013

Just checked my Mega Millions tickets. Looks like I have to go to work today…

— tory patrick (@toryk) December 4, 2013

Image via Wikimedia Commons