Watch CBS News

Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $540 Million

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Mega Millions jackpot has increased to $540 million, as brisk ticket sales fuel the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing.

Paula Otto is executive director of the Virginia Lottery and lead director for Mega Millions. She says sales leading up to Friday's drawing have exceeded expectations resulting in the jackpot adjustment.

Friday's drawing will be the 35th since Mega Millions had a winner - the longest rollover stretch in the game's history. Otto says that since the last winner in March, Mega Millions ticket sales have exceeded $1 billion.

Sales prior to the last drawing on Tuesday night also were higher than expected, at around $107 million. Sales were anticipated to hit $80 million.

Tickets are sold in 43 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.