(Atlanta, GA) – The Megamillions jackpot went unclaimed following Tuesday night’s (July 26th) drawing, making the drawing for Friday night’s multi-state lottery game an expected $1.02-BILLION, which ties for the second-highest prize ever in Mega Millions history. Tuesday night’s drawing was the third-highest ever at $830 million, or a cash option of $487.9 million.

Even without a big winner, there were a few ticket purchasers who will be a bit wealthier after Tuesday’s drawing. Lottery officials say there were nine tickets sold that matched five of the six winning numbers – each is worth at least $1 million or more. One of those tickets sold in Ohio with the the megaplier option is worth $3 million. The California lottery says a ticket sold in Baker with five matching numbers will have a payout of $2.9 million. California uses a pari-mutuel system with payouts that vary from those in other states.

The seven other tickets are believed to be worth $1 million each. They were sold in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. Tuesday’s winning numbers were: 7 – 29 – 60 – 63 – 66 Mega Ball: 15

The jackpot has grown so large because there hasn’t been a winner in three months. Those 29 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all six numbers have allowed the jackpot to gradually grow from its $20 million starting point in April.