 Mega Millions, the game that holds the record for the largest jackpot in North American history, began on August 31, 1996 as The Big Game. The first drawing took place on September 6, 1996, with six states participating: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia.
After exciting growth of the game in 1997, a Tuesday drawing was added in February of 1998. Players were given a larger choice of numbers and a "cash payout" option in January of 1999. Also in May of 1999, New Jersey was added as the seventh member state.
In May 2002, the multi-state game was given the new name of "Mega Millions," New York and Ohio became member states, and the game matrix and prize amounts were changed to offer players more excitement.
In September 2002, Washington became the 10th member state, followed by Texas in December 2003. In June 2005, California became the 12th and newest member, solidifying Mega Millions as the country’s most widely played multi-state jackpot game.
On March 6, 2007, Mega Millions again made history with a jackpot of $390 million – setting the record for largest jackpot.
Below is a list of the ten largest Big Game / Mega Millions jackpots. For drawing details, click the draw date.
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