How do you play the Mega Millions? A guide on tickets, choosing numbers and odds to win

Emily DeLetterUSA TODAYShow CaptionThe Mega Millions has been gathering increased attention as its jackpot nears $1 billion ahead of Friday night's drawing.As there have been no winners since December 2023, the jackpot currently sits at an estimated $977 million with a $461 million cash option.Although the odds of winning the jackpot are low, the grand prize will continue to grow until a winner is declared. It is far from the largest lottery jackpot in Mega Millions history however, which was a $1.602 billion prize from one winning ticket in Florida in August 2023.Ready to try your luck? Here's a guide on how to play the Mega Millions.Is there a strategy to winning? Top tips for picking winning Powerball and Mega Millions numbersHow to play Mega MillionsMega Millions tickets cost $2 per play.To play, pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers: either five different numbers from 1-70 for the white numbers, and one number from 1-25 for the gold Mega Ball.You win the Mega Million...