<P> Mega Millions ( which began as The Big Game in 1996 , which was renamed to The Big Game Mega Millions six years later ) is an American multi-jurisdictional lottery game ; it is offered in 44 states , the District of Columbia , and the U.S. Virgin Islands . The first ( The Big Game ) Mega Millions drawing was in 2002 ; see below . ( What is now Mega Millions initially was offered in six states ; the logo for all versions of the game following the retiring of the The Big Game name featured a gold - colored ball with six stars to represent the game 's initial membership . ) </P>
<P> Mega Millions ( which began as The Big Game in 1996 , which was renamed to The Big Game Mega Millions six years later ) is an American multi-jurisdictional lottery game ; it is offered in 44 states , the District of Columbia , and the U.S. Virgin Islands . The first ( The Big Game ) Mega Millions drawing was in 2002 ; see below . ( What is now Mega Millions initially was offered in six states ; the logo for all versions of the game following the retiring of the The Big Game name featured a gold - colored ball with six stars to represent the game 's initial membership . ) </P>
how many states play in the mega millions lottery
how many states play in the mega millions lottery
44
44