The search is on in the US for the winners of the world's biggest ever lottery¹ jackpot - $640m.

世界上迄今最大的彩票——6.4亿美元在美国开出，目前尚未有人申领该奖金。

Three tickets have now been announced as sharing the massive prize, with the winners in the states of Maryland, Kansas and Illinois.

Americans spent an estimated $1.5bn to enter the draw for the jackpot, which had reached the record level because no-one had matched the winning numbers since the end of January.

Forty-two states took part in the draw.

The numbers drawn² on Friday night were 2, 4, 23, 38, 46, and the Mega Ball was 23.

Mike Lang, a spokesman for the Illinois Lottery, said his state's ticket was sold in the town of Red Bud, near St Louis.

Denise Metzger, manager of the store that sold the ticket, told Associated Press: "It's just unbelievable. Everyone is wanting to know who it is. All day yesterday I was selling tickets and I was hoping someone from Red Bud would win."

Maryland Lottery said its winning ticket was sold in Baltimore County.

Television cameras descended³ on the 7-Eleven store there that sold the ticket.

Losing punter Jackie Williams said: "It's like a small town. I'll bet I'll know someone who knows the winner."

The Kansas Lottery website said its ticket was bought in the north-east of the state.

The stores that sold the winning tickets are in line for a $100,000 bonus.

Each ticket is expected to earn more than $213m before tax.

The winners can choose between receiving their full allotment（分配） in 26 annual payments, or a lower instant cash option.