One or more people could become billionaires this Friday in the Mega Millions lottery, which is raffling off a prize of more than $1 billion across the United States and the US Virgin Islands.
Only two prizes have been greater than the one at stake on the night, which has been accumulating since April 15 due to the absence of a winner in 29 consecutive draws. The figure could even rise further for the next draw if no one turns out to be lucky this Friday.
It is a very attractive opportunity: with the purchase of a simple two-dollar ticket, anyone can take a momentous turn in their finances and their future with wealth similar to those in the hands of a few.
The winner will be able to choose the way in which they want to receive their money. With the so-called “annuity option” she will collect a portion of the premium every 12 months for 30 years. Others prefer a full payment, which reduces this Friday’s prize by more than $600 million after taxes.
Sometimes there is more than one winner and the prize is divided among the lucky ones. Also groups of people such as family, friends or co-workers, share their tickets to have more chances of winning.
Visitors to the US can also participate in Mega Millions and other lotteries, and for years residents of Mexico and Canada who live near the border make short trips to buy tickets.
There are also options to buy tickets online through private companies, but US lottery authorities warn that those who do so do so at their own risk.
And people who are not US residents must pay all the corresponding taxes.
Although the mathematical odds of winning the prize is one in more than 300 million, that does not stop Americans, who line up at stores and tobacconists to buy their tickets and join a dream that can represent a fortune.
[Con información de AP]
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