US Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $1.1B

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.1 billion after no one matched the game's six numbers Friday night, continuing a stretch of more than three months without a big winner. 


The numbers drawn were: 3, 8, 31, 35, 44, 16. 


The jackpot increased after a drawing for an estimated $977 million failed to produce a jackpot winner. 


No one has won the game's jackpot since December 8, a string of 30 consecutive drawings without anyone taking home the top prize. That has enabled the jackpot to slowly grow, week after week. 


The $1.1 billion prize is for a sole winner who chooses to be paid through an annuity over 30 years. Winners almost always opt for a cash payment, which for the next drawing Tuesday night is an estimated $525.8 million. 


A lucky player winning the $1.1 billion jackpot would take home the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. 


The other U.S. lottery game, Powerball, has grown to an annuity jackpot of $750 million and a cash payout of $357.3 million. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled to take place Saturday night.