The Mega Millions jackpot will reach its highest level since the multistate lottery increased ticket prices to $5 in April. The jackpot for Friday’s drawing is an estimated $965 million, lottery officials said.

The jackpot has grown steadily since a player in Virginia won $348 million on June 27. No ticket has matched all six winning numbers — 10, 13, 40, 42, 46 and Mega Ball 1 — since then. This year there have been four winning Mega Millions jackpots.

The last time the jackpot was larger was when a California woman won $1.269 billion. Friday’s $965 million prize ranks as the eighth-largest in the game’s history.

The winner may choose to receive $965 million in 29 annual payments through an annuity or take a one-time cash payout of $445.3 million. Most winners opt for the lump sum.

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