US lottery jackpot hits $1.6 billion

Scores of American lottery players were disappointed they hadn't become an overnight billionaire yesterday -- but they'll get another chance to scoop the jackpot, with $1.6 billion up for grabs in a few days.

The prize for Friday's Mega Millions contest had soared to $1 billion, prompting long lines at gas stations and 7-11s across the country, the federal capital Washington and the US Virgin Islands where the lottery is held.

But, although there were 15 second-tier winning tickets of at least $1 million across nine states, nobody won the jackpot -- putting the prize for Tuesday's draw at a record $1.6 billion.