Mega Millions lottery players hope to cash in on $400 million jackpot

 Illinois Lottery Supt. Michael Jones shows off the winning Mega Millions Quick Pick ticket that netted Merle Butler nearly $158 million during a press conference in Red Bud, Illinois on April 18, 2012. Butler, a retired computer analyst from Red Bud, bought the ticket at a Moto Mart convenience store will split the worlds largest jackpot ($656 million) with unidentified people from Kansas and Maryland. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Mega Millions lottery players will be hoping their dollars got them at least a share of the American dream Friday, estimated to be a $400 million jackpot.

The grand prize up for grabs in Friday's drawing would be the second highest award ever for Mega Millions, the lottery said on its website.
After taxes, the cash option was estimated at $216 million.
"The strong sales of Mega Millions tickets mean more than just an exciting jackpot," said Paula Otto, executive director of the Virginia Lottery and lead director for the Mega Millions group. "They mean greater profits to benefit each state in which Mega Millions is played."
On March, 30, 2012, three winning tickets shared a jackpot of $656 million. The tickets were bought in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland.
After beginning on Aug. 31, 1996, as the Big Game with six states participating, Mega Millions now is played in 45 jurisdictions -- 43 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Source:http://www.upi.com