DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot has been boosted to $586 million.

The hike pushes the prize for Tuesday’s drawing closer to the $656 million U.S. record set last year. Should nobody win this week, officials say the jackpot could approach the once-unheard of $1 billion mark.

Paula Otto, executive director of the Virginia Lottery and Mega Millions’ lead director, says ticket sales are ahead of projections. She says the jackpot may be increased one more time on Tuesday morning in advance of the evening drawing.

She says if no winner is selected Tuesday and Friday, the jackpot could surpass $1 billion for the Christmas Eve drawing.

Between 65 and 70 percent of the roughly 259 million possible number combinations will likely be in play when the numbers are drawn Tuesday.