ROME – The record jackpot for Italy’s state lottery increased to C119 million ($171.2 million) after the latest drawing Tuesday again thwarted those hoping to get the winning, six-number combination.
Millions of tickets have been sold every day over the last few weeks as lottery frenzy gripped Italy and spread to visitors from neighbouring countries and even local, cash-strapped municipalities.
No one has hit the jackpot in the SuperEnalotto game since January, causing the prize to increase to the highest level in Italy’s history. So far, Italy’s largest single lottery prize is the C100 million won in the Sicilian city of Catania last year.
Residents from nearby European countries are crossing the border to buy tickets. News reports say mayors of some small towns are also trying their luck to improve city finances. The next drawing is Thursday.
