SACRAMENTO – Lottery officials announced that the MEGA Millions jackpot for Tuesday, August 16, 2005 is $61 million after rolling over from last night’s draw. “This would end the summer on a very high note for some lucky Californian,” said Lottery Acting Director Chon Gutierrez.
A single jackpot winner of $61 million who chooses to receive the jackpot in annual payments would receive 26 payments of $2.34 million before federal taxes are withheld. The estimated cash value would equal roughly half of the jackpot or $30 million, the amount the Lottery would invest to payout the jackpot prize over 26 years.
Last week, the California Lottery announced its Best Year Ever with more prizes and more winners than ever before during its 20-year history. A record $1.7 billion in prizes was paid out, and twenty eight players in California became millionaires from SuperLOTTO Plus Jackpots and “The Big Spin” show.
MEGA Millions can be played at approximately 18,000 retail locations throughout California. The MEGA Millions draw takes place each Tuesday and Friday night at 7:58 p.m. Players may purchase tickets until 7:45 p.m. on the night of the draw. Undecided what lotto game to play? Try a “California Combo.” This option gives players the option of purchasing 5 MEGA Millions plays and 5 SuperLOTTO Plus® plays in one transaction.