With visions of a carefree life, millions of people are buying $2 Mega Million lottery tickets in the U.S. worth more than $1 billion if the buyer chooses the winning combination of numbers.

Undoubtedly, millions of people will be checking their tickets Friday night to see if they are the world’s newest billionaire.

The pot has grown so large because no one has picked the matching six numbers for 29 consecutive drawings.

The winner has the option of receiving the money in an annuity paid over a number of years or taking a lower lump sum. Most choose the lump sum, which amounts to more than half a billion dollars after taxes.

Chances are slim. One in 302.5 million, but someone has to win the jackpot eventually.

One thing is for sure, however, gamblers are quick to point out, you can’t win if you don’t play.

If no one wins Friday, the next drawing is Tuesday with an even larger payoff.
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