Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe ALBANY, N.Y., March 26 (UPI) -- The winning ticket to the $319 million Mega Millions lottery was sold at Coulson's News Center in Albany, N.Y., lottery officials said. The winning numbers are 22-24-31-52-54 with Mega Ball number 4, and the prize is the sixth-largest in the game's history, ABC News reported Saturday. Advertisement The largest jackpot was $390 million in March 2007. The lottery's Web site has drawn criticism because it shows a giant piggy bank under the words "Save for Retirement." "Given the odds of winning the lottery that's a terrible strategy," says Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. The odds of winning the jackpot are 176 million to 1, but that doesn't deter people who hold out hope they are the lucky one. Lottery officials defended the image, with a caveat. "Whether you're dreaming about retirement or buying a home, the idea is to place your dream in that photo," said Carolyn Hapeman, Mega Millions spokeswoman for New York state. "Playing the Mega Millions is not the way someone should try to better their financial situation but it's a nice way to save for your retirement should you win. It's a very bad idea to think you're going to better your situation with a wager on any lottery game." Advertisement
