SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Lottery officials listened to what Lottery players wanted and responded with MEGA Millions giving Californians the chance to play for a $170 million jackpot with the players from 11 other states. The $170 million jackpot from last night’s draw was won by a player in Ohio.
“While we’re disappointed a Californian didn’t win, I am pleased that for the first time, Californians were able to play for a $170 million jackpot, the second largest in California Lottery history. We look forward to the next MEGA Millions mega jackpot where we hope one of our players will be the big winner,” said Acting Director Chon Gutierrez. “I am happy to report that in California, 139,038 players did win prizes in last night’s draw.”
Since the introduction of MEGA Millions on June 22, 2005, over $5 million has been paid out to hundreds of thousands of Californians – nine of which have won the 2nd tier prize and been just one number away from hitting the MEGA Millions top prize.
Californians can look forward to a $36 million jackpot for tonight’s SuperLOTTO Plus draw. Players can purchase tickets for the SuperLotto Plus draw at any of the over 18,000 retailer locations in California by 7:45 p.m. tonight. Undecided what lotto game to play? Try a “California Combo.” This alternative gives players the option of purchasing 5 MEGA Millions plays and 5 SuperLOTTO Plus plays in one transaction.
“Winning a SuperLOTTO Plus jackpot of $36 million would be a wonderful way to celebrate the Summer of 2005,” said Acting Director Chon Gutierrez. “That’s one of the up sides of having MEGA Millions in California, if the jackpot of one game doesn’t suit you, perhaps the jackpot of another game will, now you have choices!”
Since MEGA Millions started on June 22, 2005, over 43 million tickets were sold in California, and approximately $15 million will be distributed to California’s schools from the sale of MEGA Millions tickets.