Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $548 Million: Here’s How You Can Win Big

How can you get your hands on $548 million?

With no winning numbers in the past two drawings, the Mega Millions jackpot for Friday has become the third-largest jackpot in the history of the game, according to a statement from Massachusetts State Lottery.

The winning total is the largest Mega Millions prize since 2013, when $648 million was split between two winners from California and Georgia. The record jackpot total was $656 million, shared by three people in 2012.

Friday’s Mega Millions winnings will also be the ninth-largest jackpot in America’s history, and the grand prize winner can opt for the cash prize of $309 million.

Each ticket costs $2 and winners will be announced at 11 p.m. ET Friday night, although each ticket only has a one in 302.5 million chance of matching all six numbers.  

Combined with the Powerball jackpot of $314 million for Saturday’s drawing, a very lucky winner could be $862 million richer by the end of the weekend.

So how can you increase your odds of becoming the big winner?

Richard Lustig, who's won the lottery seven times, recently shared his advice with Inside Edition for picking the winning numbers.

"It's not that people are stupid, they just don't know how to play," he said.

First, he shared a few things you should never do.

"Don't let the computer pick your numbers," he said.

After choosing your numbers, stick with them over time "so even if you lose the next time, your chances of winning with those numbers go up," he said.

If you are going to join an office pool, he recommends "everyone has a copy of all the numbers and a list of everyone in on the pool."

But perhaps his most important advice is: "Only play if you can afford it. Don’t be using grocery money."

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