Mega Millions is $810M, nation's 4th largest prize

Lottery officials on Monday raised the Mega Millions grand prize to $810 million, giving players a shot at what would be the nation's fourth largest jackpot in US history. The next drawing is on Tuesday. The jackpot has grown so large because there hasn't been a winner in three months.
Scott McFetridge, Associated Press said "So all the attention with the Mega millions prize is on the big number, $810 million. But that's actually the annuity option that is paid over 30 annual payments. No winners actually take the annuity option. They all take the cash option. And the cash option would be $470 million. And that is a lot of money. But then of that, the federal government would slice off 37% for taxes”
Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is overseen by state lottery officials.