CHICO, Calif. - The latest Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $1.6 billion dollars, making it the largest prize in U.S. lottery history. A portion of the money goes towards California Public Schools.
In California, $267 million has been collected in Mega Millions sales over the past 25 rolls.
$99 million has been collected in sales from the Powerball.
This amounts to $366 million in total from Powerball sales and Mega Millions sales. Out of this amount, $147 million went to California Public Schools.
"We're really excited for how high this can go. If this can go past $1.6 billion this would be amazing," said Cathy Johnston, a spokesperson at the California Lottery. "I hope if we get more sales we will actually get a winner because this is the most exciting part about this."
During the last fiscal year, Johnston said $1.7 billion went towards California Public Schools.
The Mega Millions drawing will be Tuesday and the Powerball drawing will be on Wednesday.