MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Lottery fever is sweeping the nation as Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing boasts an eye-popping $1.22 billion jackpot.
It’s one of the largest in the game’s history, offering Americans a chance to dream big during the holiday season.
Friday night’s winning numbers are: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, with a Mega Ball of 6.
Noon report:
Prior to the drawing, one had claimed the top prize in 30 consecutive drawings, pushing the jackpot to this staggering amount. The last grand prize was won in Texas on Sept. 10 at $810 million.
The odds of hitting the jackpot are slim — 1 in 302,575,350 — but that hasn’t deterred hopeful players. At a Chevron gas station in northeast Miami-Dade, ticket buyers lined up throughout the day.
“This is my shot,” said Marv, a local customer buying his ticket. “I’d invest it and live comfortably.”
Local 10′s Saira Anwer, who reported from the Chevron gas station, said, “I’d get a super yacht with a helipad, a hot tub, and jet skis. Why not dream big?”
Even with taxes, the jackpot’s cash option is an estimated $516 million.
Tickets cost $2 and can be purchased at gas stations, grocery stores, and other retailers until just before the 11 p.m. drawing.