California State Lottery to be confused with the gold-colored ball in Mega Millions, which also is known as the "Mega Number".) The California Lottery has offered a number of jackpot games, beginning with its "6-49" game in 1986, which became a 53-number game (drawing a seventh, "bonus" ball) in 1990, then changed again, to a 51-number game. The current variant, 5/47 + 1/27, began in 2000. On February 16th, 2002, the California Lottery's then-highest payout of $193 million was split by three tickets. Other big jackpots include $141 million dollars on Saturday June 23rd, 2001 that was won by one ticket, a $122
Illinois State Lottery generator, instead of using machines with numbered balls. Prior to this date, the selection of the winning numbers had been broadcast on WGN-TV for more than 25 years. Winners of a Mega Millions (on an Illinois Lottery ticket) or a Lotto jackpot must choose the cash option within 60 days of the drawing if the cash option is desired (a Powerball jackpot winner on an Illinois Lottery ticket has 60 days after claiming to make their choice). Purchasers must be at least 18 years of age to purchase an Illinois Lottery ticket. In December 2016, a "Chicago Tribune" investigation found