SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The jackpot for the Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Mega Millions drawing now stands at a near-record $586 million (cash value $316.5M). The $586 million jackpot is the second highest in the game’s history. The new jackpot reflects very strong sales across all 43 participating states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tickets for tomorrow night’s Mega Millions drawing can be purchased until 10:45 p.m. EST on the day of the drawing. If no one matches all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in the 11 p.m. EST drawing, the jackpot will continue to grow.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.04 billion in fiscal year 2012-2013 to help support education in New York State.  The Lottery’s contribution represents 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.