US Mega Millions lottery: Is the $1bn prize available to UK residents? Here's everything you need to know

The Mega Millions lottery in the US has now reached a record $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion) with people flocking to purchase a ticket in the hope of scooping the jackpot.

No one has matched all six numbers in the lottery since July 24 this year, reaching the current total.

The total means that the winner would be eight times richer than Ed Sheeran and twice as wealthy as Elton John.

According to Reuters, if you took the cash payout in $100 bills, you could make a stack of over 3,200 feet.

Gordon Medenica, lead director of the Mega Millions Group said: "Mega Millions has already entered historic territory, but it's truly astounding to think that now the jackpot has reached an all-time world record."

Winners are given the opportunity to be given the prize in full or in annual instalments.

What is it?

The Mega Millions is one of America’s two big jackpot games. Jackpots start at $40 million with the previous highest cash prize totalling $656 million (£500 million).

Tickets for the Mega Millions are sold in kiosks, supermarkets and petrol stations in 44 states, the district of Colombia and the US Virgin Islands.

However the odds of winning the jackpot is one in 103 million.

According to Tucson, Arizona-based International Wildlife Museum, you are more likely to be killed by a shark than win.

When is the draw?

The next draw is set to take place on October 23 at 11pm eastern time.

That means that it will take place at 4am GMT.

Can you take part if you live in the UK?

Brits are able to take part by betting on the result through Lottoland.

They can either use the company’s app or visit the website.