Even people who don't know much about lotteries have heard of The Big Game. It has had a successful history since the first Big Game ticket was sold on August 31, 1996. The first drawing took place on September 6, 1996. At that time you could play The Big Game in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia.
After exciting growth of the game in 1997, a Tuesday drawing was added in February of 1998. Players were given a larger choice of numbers and a "cash payout" option in January of 1999. Also in May of 1999, New Jersey was added as the seventh member state.
In May of 2000, the game made worldwide headlines when it offered the largest jackpot - $363 million - in North American history.
In May 2002, the multi-state game was given the new name of "Mega Millions," New York and Ohio became member states, and the game matrix and prize amounts were changed to offer players more excitement.
In September 2002, Washington became the 10th member state, followed by Texas in December 2003.
In June 2005, California became the 12th and newest member, solidifying Mega Millions as the country's most widely played multi-state jackpot game.