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Uncovering the Excitement of Mega Millions
Mega Millions is one of the largest and most popular multi-state lottery games in the United States. The game is played in 44 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions offers players the chance to win massive jackpots by matching five white balls and one Mega Ball.

The history of Mega Millions
Mega Millions was first launched as "The Big Game" in 1996 and was available in only six states: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia. Over the years, more states joined the game, and in 2002, the name was changed to Mega Millions. In 2010, Mega Millions underwent a major overhaul and the matrix was changed to its current 5/70 + 1/25 format.

How to play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, players must select five white balls from a pool of 70 and one Mega Ball from a pool of 25. Players can select their numbers manually or opt for a Quick Pick, which randomly generates numbers for them. The cost of a single Mega Millions ticket is $2, and players can purchase tickets from authorized retailers in participating states.

Jackpots and Prizes
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and grows until it is won. If there are no jackpot winners, the prize money rolls over to the next drawing. Mega Millions also offers a variety of other prizes, ranging from $2 for matching just the Mega Ball to $1 million for matching the five white balls without the Mega Ball.

Odds of Winning
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot vary depending on the number of tickets sold and the number of winners in a particular drawing.

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Winners have up to 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes. Prizes over $600 can be claimed at authorized lottery retailers or at the lottery's headquarters. Jackpot winners have the option to receive their prize as an annuity, which is paid out over a period of 30 years, or as a lump sum, which is paid in one payment, minus applicable taxes.

Taxes
All Mega Millions prizes are subject to federal and state taxes. The amount of taxes paid on lottery winnings varies depending on the state in which the ticket was purchased and the winner's state of residence.

Conclusion
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game that offers players the chance to win massive jackpots and other prizes. The game is played by selecting five white balls from a pool of 70 and one Mega Ball from a pool of 25. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24. All Mega Millions prizes are subject to federal and state taxes.