Nearly $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot up for grabs Christmas Eve

CHICAGO - The Mega Millions jackpot surged to $944 million for the Christmas Eve drawing.

If someone wins the jackpot, it would be the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history.

So far this year, three players have won a Mega Millions jackpot. In March, a New Jersey player won $1.128 billion. In June, an Illinois Lottery player won $552 million. Then in September, a player in Texas walked away with $810 million.

There are more than 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the state. Players can pick up a ticket at their local store or log on to the Illinois Lottery website or app to purchase a ticket.

Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each.