<P> Mega Millions (which began as The Big Game in 1996, which was renamed to The Big Game Mega Millions six years later) is an American multi-jurisdictional lottery game; it is offered in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands . The first (The Big Game) Mega Millions drawing was in 2002; see below . (What is now Mega Millions initially was offered in six states; the logo for all versions of the game following the retiring of the The Big Game name featured a gold - colored ball with six stars to represent the game's initial membership .) </P> <P> Under the current version's regulations for Mega Millions (see below for details on the October 28, 2017 format change), the minimum Mega Millions advertised jackpot is $15 million, paid in 30 graduated yearly installments, increasing 5 percent each year (unless the cash option is chosen; see below for differences by lotteries on cash / annuity choice regulations .) The jackpot increases when there is no top - prize winner (see below for information on how the Mega Millions jackpot is funded .) </P>

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