Mega Millions Jackpot for Friday Hits $173M

The estimated jackpot for Friday's Mega Millions drawing now stands at $173 million. The jackpot has rolled 17 times since July 30.

There are two jackpot payment options for Mega Millions: a $119 cash option or an annuity option worth approximately $6.6 million a year for 26 years.

Mega Million tickets are $1 and, for an additional $1 per play, players can multiply prizes with the Megaplier option. Proceeds from Mega Millions benefit education in the state of Georgia.

Mega Millions Facts (provided by the Georgia Lottery)

Draw Date: Friday, September 27, 2013

Estimated Jackpot Amount: $173 million

Annuity Amount: Approximately $6.6 million a year for 26 years

Cash Option Amount: Approximately $119 million

Cost to Play: $1 per play; additional $1 per play for Megaplier

Drawings: 11 p.m. (ET) every Tuesday and Friday

Odds of Winning Jackpot Prize: Approximately 1:175 million

Date Jackpot Began Rolling: July 30, 2013

Number of Rolls: 17

Last Winning Jackpot Ticket: July 26, 2013 – $19 million jackpot (New Jersey winner) 

#1 Mega Millions Jackpot: March 30, 2012 – $656 million (3 winning tickets – Illinois, Kansas and Maryland – $218.6 million each)