The anticipation is building as the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to a staggering $1.15 billion, following a lack of winners in previous drawings, including a Christmas Eve drawing that failed to produce any jackpot winners. Players across various states, including California and Pennsylvania, are rushing to purchase tickets, hoping to secure life-changing prizes. Special attention is being given to the upcoming drawing scheduled for December 27, as players strategize on where to buy their tickets and consider the tax implications of winning large sums. Despite reports of some near misses, like a player in Missouri who nearly won the billion-dollar jackpot, the excitement shows no signs of waning. As lottery fever continues to rise, state lawmakers in Alabama are exploring the introduction of lottery options to capitalize on the growing interest in Mega Millions.