Ticketholder wins nearly $1.3 billion in US Mega Millions

Mega Millions lottery jackpot kept getting larger as officials raised the massive prize to $1.28 billion. Credit: PA

A lucky ticketholder has beat the odds and won a $1.3 billion (£1.05b) Mega Millions jackpot.

According to officials the single winning ticket was purchased in Illinois on Friday.

The winning numbers were: 13-36-45-57-67, Mega Ball: 14.

The jackpot was the nation's third-largest lottery prize.

US Mega Millions jackpot surges over $1bn after no winner declared in last round
Jackpot hopefuls have been queueing outside of stores across the US trying to secure a winning ticket. Credit: AP

It grew so large because no one had matched the game’s six selected numbers since April 15.

Which means there has been 29 consecutive draws without a jackpot winner.

The $1.28 billion prize is for winners who choose the annuity option, paid annually over 29 years. Most winners opt for the cash option, which for Friday night’s drawing was an estimated $747.2 million (£623.3m).

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is coordinated by state lotteries.

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