SCHENECTADY, NY - The jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions multi-state drawing is now $636 million.

A jackpot winner would have 60 days from the date he or she claims the jackpot winning ticket to elect to receive the prize as a lump sum or annuity. The current cash (lump sum) value of the updated jackpot is $341.2 million before required tax withholdings. The annuity payment provides for an initial payment followed by 29 annual payments. Each annuity payment is 5 percent larger than the previous one.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was the March 30, 2012 drawing for $656 million. Three players from Illinois, Maryland and Kansas split the jackpot. 

Tickets for tonight’s 11 p.m. Mega Millions drawing may be purchased until 10:45 p.m. EST.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing nearly $2.9 billion in fiscal year 2011-2012 to help support education in New York State.  The Lottery’s contribution represents nearly 15 percent of total state education aid to local school districts. 

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education.  It takes into account both a school district’s size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery school funding.

About the New York State Gaming Commission

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian gaming, video lottery terminal facilities at race tracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.