Lottery fever rises as Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1.15 billion for Friday's draw

(TNND) — The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to a staggering $1.15 billion, setting up what could be one of the largest lottery payouts in history.

This surge comes after no one landed on the six winning numbers —11, 14, 38, 45, 46 and the gold Mega Ball 3 — on Christmas Eve, pushing the prize into the billions.

The estimated cash value now stands at $516.1 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m. ET, leaving ticket buyers dreaming big.

It has been nearly four months since the jackpot was last claimed — a $810 million prize was awarded in Texas in September. According to ABC, 30 drawings have passed since then without a winner.

The odds of winning the coveted lottery are steep. According to Mega Millions, the chance of hitting the jackpot is just 1 in 302, 575, 350. But that hasn't stopped hopeful players in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands from chasing the large cash prize.

At just $2 a ticket, the question remains: Could this be your lucky night?