What Would You Do With Half A Billion Dollars?

That could be the question for one lucky person if they are fortunate enough to pick the correct numbers in Friday’s Mega Millions drawing, which has swelled to an estimated $540 million, a world record total for lottery jackpots.

The previous record jackpot was $390 million, won by two people in March of 2007. Of course if there is a winner, they won’t collect all of that money. But lottery officials estimate a lump sum payout of $389.8 million for anyone who matches all six numbers. Winners can also select to take payments annually for 26 years.

The Mega Millions is played in 42 states across the country, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The odds of winning are 1 in about 176 million. Good luck to anyone who plays and think of your local writer if you win!!

Photo Credit: vvvracer, via Flickr

It's simple. Keith Mizuguchi loves to write and write and write some more. After taking a hiatus from the journalism business, he has rekindled his passion for writing over the last two years, holding a job as both a web and on-air writer for San Francisco news radio station KCBS. While he enjoys the news business, his true passions are twofold: sports and food. Bay Area born and raised, he lives in San Jose, commutes to SF and loves every minute of it. You can follow his food adventures on Twitter @foodie_keith.