'Let's Win This New York' mantra provides unique chance for New Yorkers to show their New York pride
The New York Lottery knows there's more than $1.6 billion at stake with tonight's Mega Millions drawing for a record $1.6 billion.
"The world is watching us and the other 45 Lottery jurisdictions offering the Mega Millions product," said New York Gaming Commission Acting Executive Director Ronald Ochrym. "This is a chance to shine a spotlight on the pride New York takes in its lottery and all the good our lottery does for our schools, small business owners and of course, our players."
Our "
Let's Win This New York" message showcases the dynamic, can-do spirit that ties all New Yorkers together," said New York Lottery Director Gweneth Dean. "We want to bring this jackpot home and also celebrate the many winners we've created since the start of this jackpot roll."
The Mega Millions game debuted in New York in 2002. Since then, the New York Lottery has awarded $72 million in Mega Millions second-prizes to New York winners. Players win the $1-million second prize by matching the first five numbers drawn. To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match the first five numbers plus the Mega Ball.
Tonight's jackpot of $1.6 billion began as a default jackpot of $40 million on July 27. The jackpot has rolled without a top-prize winner a total of 24 times, leading up to tonight's world-record breaking $1.6 billion payout.
During this roll-up period (to date):
- New York's Mega Millions sales have totaled $184,547,771
- Lottery Aid to Education has totaled $64,591,720, and
- Commissions earned by New York businesses licensed to sell New York Lottery product have totaled $11,072,866.
New York anticipates sales, Lottery Aid to Education and commissions will escalate exponentially as the evening commute begins. Hourly sales approaching $3 million or more are expected in the final hours leading up to the drawing. Sales will continue until 10:45 p.m.
Tonight's drawing and results will be televised live at approximately 11 p.m. locally on FOX.
