New York's Mega Millions jackpot grows to $297 million

The jackpot for tonight's Mega Millions drawing now stands at $297 million, a $40 million increase over Tuesday's advertised jackpot of $257 million. The jackpot increase reflects very strong sales across all 44 participating states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If no one matches all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in tonight's drawing, the jackpot will continue to grow. The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was $656 million for the March 30, 2012, drawing. Three players from Illinois, Kansas and Maryland split the jackpot.

Tickets for tonight's Mega Millions drawing can be purchased until 10:45 p.m. EST.

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.04 billion in fiscal year 2012-13 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.

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 racetracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.