The Mega Millions jackpot soared to an estimated $636 million on Tuesday, making it the second large

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VOICE-OVER:
A SURGE IN TICKET SALES PUSHED THE MEGA MILLIONS JACKPOT TO AN ESTIMATED 636 MILLION DOLLARS —
MAKING IT THE SECOND LARGEST JACKPOT IN U.S. HISTORY —
SOUNDBITE (English) Dameon Wilson, Dallas resident:
“I went ahead and got a quick pick, I am probably going to pick me some more tonight. I’m trying to get the big thing.”
AND WITH A JACKPOT THIS BIG —
PLAYERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE NOW DREAMING EVEN BIGGER.
SOUNDBITE (English): Tanya Jooste, Milwaukee resident:
“Invest a lot of it, give a lot of it to charity and make sure that my family is taken care of. That’s about it.”
MEGA MILLIONS CHANGED ITS RULES IN OCTOBER TO HELP INCREASE THE JACKPOTS —
BY LOWERING THE ODDS OF WINNING THE TOP PRIZE TO ABOUT 1 IN 259 MILLION.
SOUNDBITE (English) Buddy Roogow, Director of D.C. Lottery:
“I do expect there will be a winner because I think so many combinations will be played that it’s unlikely that there won’t be a winner, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
SOUNDBITE (English) Annie Pedersen, Milwaukee resident:
“I’m just hoping, just hoping today will be my lucky day.”
THE CASH OPTION IS 341 MILLION DOLLARS — BEFORE TAXES.
SIGOUT – Bob McCall/Associated Press

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