Here's how to play Mega Millions if you've never done it before

The Mega Millions jackpot reached a record world record of $ 1.6 billion this weekend, as 13 weeks of draws passed without a grand prize winner.

With no winners in last Friday's draw and another in the draw for Tuesday, many people will flock to the nearest gas stations, bodegas and grocery stores for their chance to win the jackpot.

But the more inexperienced lottery player could go to the counter to buy a ticket – just not to know how to choose his own number, or even how the process generally works.

Here's how to buy a ticket for the more casual lotto player.

In general, how does the game work?

Playing Mega Millions is actually quite simple: you choose five numbers between one and 70, then another number – the "mega ball" – between one and 25.

If you match the five numbers (in any order) and the mega ball, then you win the $ 1.6 billion jackpot.

If you match the five numbers without the mega ball, you will earn $ 1 million. You can also win smaller prizes to match one to four numbers and the mega ball. The smallest gains start at $ 2.

Here's a look at the payouts for matching numbers and mega-balls, according to the Massachuetts Lottery website:

5 digits + mega balloon: Jackpot ($ 1.6 billion)

5 digits, no mega balloon: 1 million dollars

4 digits + mega balloon: $ 10,000

4 digits, no mega balloon: $ 500

3 numbers + mega balloon: $ 200

3 digits, no mega balloon: $ 10

2 digits + mega balloon: $ 10

1 number + mega balloon: $ 4

No numbers, just a mega ball: $ 2

You can also add a megaplier option, which costs $ 1 more per room. This option would multiply your winnings – without the jackpot – between two and five times, depending on the number drawn as a multiplier.

Members of Iowa's lottery division have an easy-to-follow video exploder:

How much does it cost to play?

A Mega Millions ticket costs $ 2 to play; The addition of the 1 mega option increases the price of a $ 3 ticket.

How can I ask to buy a Mega Millions ticket without seeming not to know what I'm doing?

Excellent question.

If you want to choose your own numbers, most stores will have sheets with the name of the lottery game at the top. Take one, fill it (more on this below) and bring it to the cash register.

If you simply want an automated ticket without choosing the numbers yourself, ask the seller to provide you with an "easy pick" ticket. This means that your ticket numbers are randomly assigned. This is the fastest option if you are in a hurry or if you are not particularly fond of choosing your own numbers.

However, in general, it is not a shame to let the store clerk know that you are new to treatment. Massachusetts stores that sell a winning jackpot ticket receive a $ 50,000 bonus – not to mention the free media attention – so there's a good chance they want you to buy this ticket internally rather than take your company elsewhere.

I want to choose my own numbers, but this sheet is confusing. Help me?

You are not alone in thinking it. Some fearless journalist tried to pick his own numbers. . . and almost instantly abandoned.

In Massachusetts, you can play three times, or tickets, per sheet. To fill out the sheet, ask the cashier where she is if you can not find her (they have to say "Mega Millions" pretty clearly at the top), and then pick up any nearby writing instrument. (most stores will have around, or will provide when requested). You must also fill the bubbles with pencil or blue or black ink.

Then, fill in the bubbles for the five numbers of your choice in a box under the heading and bearing the title "Choose 5.", then fill the bubble to get a number for the mega ball under it. "Choose a mega ball" header.

If you want to choose the megaplier option, which earns more for a winning ticket (as stated in the rules of the game above), fill in the "Yes" box located to the very right of the ticket under the ticket. Megaplier header. . One thing to note: filling this bubble means all the games you have completed on this sheet will then have this multiplier option, which costs $ 1 more per game, or $ 3 more if you play three games per sheet. (If you choose numbers for multiple tickets and only want the multiplication option for some tickets, you will need to fill out separate sheets.)

If in doubt, ask the cashier for help – they are likely to know the exercise.

One thing to note: although you may be inclined to choose lucky numbers that coincide with birthdays, the first five numbers in play reach 70, which means that those who choose only weak numbers may have a lower chance to win.

With regard to which figures have increased the most? Since 2010, this honor returns to number 2, with 92 strokes followed, followed by numbers 20, 11, 31 and 17. The number of Mega Ball the most affected is 9. (The lottery officials quickly report that the selection of the number is random), so there is no reason for what has been hit in the past to be selected again.)

No, you can not use a credit card.

Similar to gambling in casinos, you need to buy lotto tickets with money – credit cards are not accepted. (Or, as one thrifty New Jersey gas station employee says when asked by a journalist friend to give him a credit card this weekend, "What do you expect the lottery to be for you?" pay over $ 1 billion on credit? "Hit.)

There is a time limit to buy a ticket.

You must buy your ticket before 10:45. Eastern Standard Time, according to Christian Teja, communications director of Massachusetts Lottery.

When is the drawing? How will I know if I have won?

The draw will take place on Tuesday evening at 23h. in Atlanta. If no one wins, the next draw will take place at 11 pm Friday.

Some local TV stations plan to broadcast the cartoon due to increased public interest, Teja said.

However, for those who plan to watch the World Series during this period, the results will be available in minutes on masslottery.com, as well as on the Lottery Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

The lottery officials will also announce whether anyone wins or not Wednesday, said Teja. He could not give a precise timeline, but acknowledged that the announcement would probably be announced by the time people get up or go to work in the morning.

And if no one wins Tuesday's jackpot draw, "there is a good chance it will reach the $ 2 billion mark for the next draw," Teja said.

If you win the jackpot, lottery officials recommend taking a deep breath, putting your winning ticket in a safe place and consulting a reputable financial planner before coming to the lottery headquarters.

What are the chances I win?

You probably already knew that, but the chances of winning are extremely slim. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot – 1 out of 302.5 million – mean that there are 302.5 million potential number combinations, a little less than a combination for the 328 million # 39 inhabitants of the United States.

Last Friday, about 59% of the possible combinations were taken. But officials estimate that 75% will be sold from here the Tuesday night draw.

How much money can I get if I hit the jackpot?

In spite of all that these billboards tell you, do not count on $ 1.6 billion in bank.

Almost all winners decide to get paid by taking the cash option of the lottery in a lump sum, which was about $ 913.7 million on Tuesday afternoon. After federal taxes and state deductions, which vary across the country, the winners will end up with about half that amount. (In Massachusetts, the winning amount will include 24% federal and 5% state taxes.)

Winners can also choose the annuity option, which provides an upfront payment and annual installments over 29 years. The biggest benefit of rent is that people are getting $ 1.6 billion.

"The cash option is based on the money available to finance the jackpot," Teja said. "The annuity is deducted from the principal and interest of this amount in cash over 30 years."

Of course, some ticket holders may earn a lower amount, as indicated above. And since many people may have the same winning numbers, the final amount could be divided in a number of ways between the winners.

Teja said he expects the jackpot to remain around $ 1.6 billion for Tuesday's draw.

Do I have to pick up my ticket at the store where I bought it?

If you bought your ticket in Massachusetts, you will have to cash in Massachusetts. However, if you win a lower amount, you do not necessarily need to go back to the same story to claim your prize: any retailer in the state participating in the lottery can shell out.

For prizes ranging from $ 601 to $ 49,999, players will be required to visit the Massachusetts Lottery Headquarters in Braintree or a regional office. And for jackpots – $ 50,000 and up – winners must go to Braintree Headquarters.

And even if a friend insists that buying lottery tickets when visiting a different state is a chance, it would be difficult to drive, for example, in New Jersey to cash a winning ticket, especially if This is a smaller amount. (On the other hand, if you suddenly win jackpot winnings, you'll guess that you could easily pay for travel costs.)

How long do I have to claim my winnings?

The states have different rules, so depending on where you bought the ticket, you have 180 days to a year. In Massachusetts, winners have one year to claim their prize. (Lottery officials can say when a person won and what their position is, but they will still have to show their ticket and claim their prize.)

Can I keep my name secret if I win?

If you purchased your ticket in Massachusetts, you can effectively hide your identity from the public by creating a trust or other legal entity that can claim the prize. However, the agent of the entity or a legal representative will have to claim the prize, with a photo taken and all – and this will be made public.

Meanwhile, the winners of the jackpot can remain anonymous in eight states: Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. (In Arizona, people who earn more than $ 600 can keep their name secret for 90 days after claiming the prize, but after that, the names become a public record.)

In New Hampshire, a woman who recently filed a lawsuit to keep her name confidential after winning a $ 560 million jackpot for the Powerball has emerged in her legal battle. The judge decided that his identity would remain confidential to journalists who file applications for public recordings, but that his town or village of residence will be unveiled.

The Associated Press documents were used in this report. The correspondent of the globe, Andres Picon, contributed to this report.