The "Big Game Mega Millions" Lotto 5-of-56 plus "Big Ball" 1-of-46

It is a Multi-State Lottery and is played in these twelve States: California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington.

Sales began on Wednesday, May 15, 2002. The first drawing occurred Friday, May 17, 2002.
Prior to the May, 17, 2002 drawing the game was called "Big Game Lotto".

Drawings are held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday night at 10:00p.m. (CT). Deadline for on-line orders through I.M.I. is 2:00p.m. (ET) the day of the drawing.

You pick 5 numbers between 1 and 56 plus one additional number between 1 and 46 (Big Ball). This creates overall odds of 1 in 43 for winning one of the nine prizes. Players can win prizes for matching just one number (Big Ball). The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 175 million. The matrix for the "Big Ball" changed from 1of 52 to 1of 46 on May 17, 2002.

There are nine ways to win eight different prizes. The jackpot is parimutuel, that is it depends on the number of dollars wagered and the number of winners. The minimum jackpot is $10 million. See prize structure for more details and odds. The jackpot is paid as a 26 year annuity or as a cash payment.
The winner has 60 days after the drawing to decide.
Winning tickets are valid for one year. All wins must be collected in the State the ticket was purchased. I.M.I. plays the Big Game Mega Millions Lottery in New York or Texas.