Mega Millions jackpot hits $227 million tonight

A $227 million Mega Millions jackpot is on the line Tuesday, Sept. 15, offering lottery players a shot at a life-changing prize worth $96.3 million as a lump-sum cash option.

No ticket has matched all six numbers since a Florida player won $800 million on July 28, sending the jackpot climbing for seven straight weeks. The prize now ranks among the largest lottery jackpots currently up for grabs in the U.S.

Here's what to know before tonight's lottery drawing.

USA TODAY will post the winning numbers for Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing shortly after they're announced at 11 p.m. ET.

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, at 11 p.m. ET.

Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and other authorized lottery retailers. Some states also allow players to buy tickets online.

To play, select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Players who prefer not to choose their own numbers can request a Quick Pick or Easy Pick, which generates numbers at random.

Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier that automatically increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/