Mega Millions jackpot grows to $400 million

Mega Millions lottery game is sporting its second-largest jackpot ever, an estimated $400 million, for Friday’s drawing.

Today’s multi-state Mega Millions drawing is the fifth largest lottery jackpot of any kind in US history, according to game officials.

The jackpot has been growing since October 1st and has rolled over 20 times without a winner – thus the estimated $400 million jackpot, which also carries a $216 million cash payout option before taxes.

Mega Millions had been outshined somewhat by the massive jackpots of the Powerball game, which doubled ticket prices to $2 in January 2012, enriching jackpots as it also added a number of secondary prizes.

Mega Millions received a makeover of its own in October specifically to increase the size of jackpots. The biggest change was lowering the odds of winning, which led to fewer winners and more rollovers.