Mega Millions Jackpot Swells to Nearly $1 Billion, 10th Largest in Lottery History

Friday's Mega Millions jackpot has soared to nearly $1 billion, the 10th largest in U.S. lottery history
Players pick 6 numbers from two pools for $2 per ticket, with drawings held Tuesdays and Fridays
The advertised jackpot is paid out over 29 years, but winners typically take a lower cash payout immediately
The odds of winning are incredibly small - 1 in 302.6 million - so jackpots can grow for months without a winner
State lotteries oversee Mega Millions and Powerball, using profits for state funds or specific causes like scholarships