Ohio Lottery spokeswoman Jeannie Roberts said Mega Millions sales are down 16 percent in Ohio from this time last year, but added that it may not be tied to the economy. A Vandalia couple also won $5 million in an Ohio Lottery scratch-off game in December. Nobody won the top prize in the last Mega Millions lottery drawing – maybe Friday the 13th affected your luck – so tonight's jackpot has reached $103 million.She said Mega Millions sales are significantly affected by the size of the jackpot, and there has been only one drawing for more than $50 million in nearly six months. The lump-sum payout for tonight's drawing is estimated at $67.6 million before taxes, meaning roughly $45 million in the winner's pocket after all is said and done. If there is no winner tonight, Friday's jackpot will be $120 million.
But don't get your hopes too high. Yes, the Ohio Lottery uses the slogan "Odds are, you'll have fun," but at roughly 175 million to one, the odds certainly aren't that you'll win $103 million. In fact, the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize (from $2 on up) is 1 in 40. Judging by the steady stream of customers at lottery counters, an awful lot of people are hoping to be that one.
