The jackpot for Italy's popular SuperEnalotto game remains the highest in the world and is closing in on its all-time record of over 100 million euros.

No one matched all the winning numbers (06-35-38-48-58-76 and Jolly Number 26) in the July 16, 2009 Italian Superenalotto draw, so a total of 97.8 million euros are up for grabs on Saturday, July 18 --- not far from the record win of 100,765,193 euros in October 2008.

After SuperEnalotto, the second-biggest jackpot in the world is 57 million euros for the Euro Millions Lottery, while the USA Powerball game is currently third offering US$61 million. The advantage of the Italian game over others, especially those in America, is that SuperEnalotto pays out the full prize almost immediately, while US games give winners the pot in long-term instalments or pays a single, reduced prize.

SuperEnalotto winners also receive interest on their winnings from the time they redeem their slips to when they receive full payment, which usually takes two months.

In order to win the Italian SuperEnalotto, betters must choose the correct six numbers drawn from one to 90. The last time there was a winner was on January 31, 2009.

Draws are held three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

There is also a 5+1 win, in which a seventh bonus number is drawn and can be added to any five of the original six-number combination.

SuperEnalotto also pays for five, four and three correct guesses.

Each six-number combination costs 50 euro cents with a minimum two combination or one euro bet.

SuperEnalotto, which made its debut in December 1997, has proved to be a boon for Italy's state coffers which receive 49.5% of all bets made, far more than other national betting games which pay the Treasury between 20% and 25%.

To play the Italian Superenalotto now, visit http://www.osalottos.com.