Mega Millions world record jackpot continues to climb to $540 million

BALTIMORE - The Mega Millions jackpot continues to to rise daily, rising another $40 million dollars in the last 24 hours.

The world record jackpot rose to $476 million dollars after no one won Tuesday night's drawing. However, by noon on Wednesday the jackpot had risen to $500 million. Then today, right around noon, it was announced the jackpot was now worth $540 million.

More incredibly, the cash-only option climbed to $389 million dollars. That is more than the Mega Millions jackpot was worth for Tuesday night: $363 million.

The jackpot will most likely continue to climb and more people buy tickets before Friday night's drawing. The most common time people buy tickets is the day of the jackpot, particularly in the evening rush hour time period.

If you want to try and win the staggering lottery, you have until 10:45 p.m. Friday to buy your ticket. The drawing will then be held at 11 p.m.