Mega Millions has entered the “giant jackpot” zone, with an estimated $400 million jackpot up for grabs in the March 18 drawing. It’s the third largest Mega Millions jackpot ever.
The cash option on the jackpot is an estimated $224.8 million. If the jackpot was won by one ticket sold in Kansas, and the winner chose the cash option, the winner would receive $157.36 million, after federal and state income withholding taxes were paid. State withholding taxes on the prize would be an estimated $11.24 million.
The Mega Millions jackpot was last hit on Jan. 3, 2014, when a ticket in Tennessee matched all numbers and won $61 million. March 18 will be the 21st drawing since then.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $656 million, shared by players in three states, including Kansas. The Kansas winning ticket was sold in Ottawa for the March 30, 2012, drawing.
Powerball currently is at $80 million.