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 $843 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 — 11, 14, 17, 50, 57 and Mega Ball 6 — 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 $843 million prize ranks as the eighth-largest in the game’s history.

The winner may choose to receive $843 million in 29 annual payments through an annuity or take a one-time cash payout of $391.7 million. Most winners opt for the lump sum.

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