Tuesday's draw was a hotly anticipated one as the jackpot has already swollen to $321 million. The last time the jackpot was won was on August 22 this year by a lucky 53-year-old. And now, it's been reported that someone had won the November 4 draw and is entitled to receive "the eighth-largest prize in the game's history," 6abc.com reported.
"Lottery officials said the current jackpot has been growing since Aug. 22 when it was last won in Calimesa, Calif., at $180 million - 20 drawings ago, the news source said.
Since the jackpot has been notched, the pot money has gone back down to $15 million, which still is a substantial amount that could turn life around for many people.
"With a jackpot that starts at $15,000,000, Mega Millions has gained international notoriety for consistently handing out huge jackpots," Lottery USA noted. "A total of seven jackpots of more than $300,000,000 have been won in its lifetime. Officially on sale in 42 states, as well as Washington D.C. Mega Millions tickets can also be bought online through various ticket agents."
If you're up to it, you still have time to get a ticket for the November 7 draw, which will happen at 11 p.m. EST. Mega Millions draws are typically held on Tuesdays and Fridays of the week.
Never played before? You only need a dollar to get a ticket, and follow these steps:
"Players pick from two sets of Mega Millions numbers. First, a total of five numbers from 1-75, none of which can be the same and then a final number called the Mega Ball, which ranges from 1-15. This last number can be the same as any of the first five. As with all lotteries, players win based on how many of their numbers are matched with the numbers drawn."
"With an overall chance of winning anything at just under 1 in 15, the Mega Millions lottery represents extremely good value," the site added.
If you want to boost your prize, go for a Mega Ball, which is considered the bonus ball. If, for example, you match four numbers but not including the Mega Ball, you get $500. However, if your Mega Ball matched the winning one, you'll be getting $5,000 instead.
Last Tuesday's winning combination was 9-15-24-39-41. Mega Ball: 1.
The lucky winner had bought the ticket at "a Circleville store and Valero gas station at 2580 Route 302 in Middletown in Orange County, N.Y."
"The owner of the station gets $10,000 from the lottery for selling it," 6abc.com noted.