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Game Overview
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game that offers players the chance to win enormous jackpots. It is played in 47 states/duristictions making it one of the most widely enjoyed lottery games in the United States.
Participants choose a combination of five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a pool of 1 to 25. Matching all the numbers drawn during the bi-weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) drawings can make you a Mega Millions millionaire.
What is the Mega Ball?
The sixth number chosen on your lottery ticket and ranges between 1-25. Matching it will guarantee you winnings of at least $2.
Who can play the Mega Millions?
The legal age for buying lottery tickets varies by state. Typically the minimum age to play Mega Millions is 18 years however in Nebraska the legal age is 19 and in Arizona, Louisiana and Iowa the legal age is 21 years.
Stay up to date with the latest Mega Millions results, odds, tips and news right here and find out if you're the next big winner!
How to Play?
- Step 1: Visit your nearest lottery retailer or alternatively play online via any of the authorized websites.
- Step 2: Either use a quick pick generator to generate 5 random numbers or choose them yourself from a pool of 1 - 70.
- Step 3: Choose your Mega Ball number from a pool of 1-25 (or let the Quick Pick Choose that also)
- Step 4: Now is the time to add the optional Megaplier for an extra $1 if you wish.
- Step 4: Pay for your draws and keep them safe until the time of the draw. Consider signing them.
- Step 5: Check the latest Mega Millions results on this page to see if you have won.
Ticket Cost
$2
+$1 optional Megaplier
(per play)
$3
Just the Jackpot
(certain jurisdictions)
Prizes and Odds of Winning
There are a number of tiers other than the jackpot which each offer substantial prizes should you not match all the numbers. Playing Mega Millions can be very rewarding even if you don't get the top prize.
MATCH | PRIZE POOL | ODDS |
---|---|---|
5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
0 + Mega Ball | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Overall you have a 1 in 24 chance of winning a prize in the Mega Millions game.
The Megaplier
All states apart from California offer the option of a Megaplier. For just $1 extra it allows you to multiply any non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. The multiplier is chosen at random at the same time as the draw. Chosen from 15 numbers it offers the following multiplier freqeuncy:
- One - 5X
- Three - 4X
- Six - 3X
- Five - 2X
The Megaplier option is chosen by the player on the payslip prior to purchase and only comes into effect should you win any of 9 prize tiers under the jackpot.
Do I need the Megaplier to win the jackpot?
No. The Megalpier is only chosen as a way to boost any of the 9 non-jackpot winning prize tiers. It does not affect you winning the jackpot should you match all other numbers plus the Mega ball.
When did it start?
It was first introduced by the Texas Lottery as an optional extra but proved so popular it was made available to all other states (with the exceptio of California) form 2010.
Why not California?
California state law requires that any lottery prizes are paid out on a pari-mutuel basis which is a wagering system where individuals with winning tickets share the total betting pool in accordance with their wagers with a deduction made for expenses. Therefore the Megaplier offering fixed payouts is not compliant.
How much can I win with the Megaplier option?
Typically the second-tier Mega Millions prize is set at $1 million. With the maximum potential megaplier at 5x you could win a potential second-place prize of $5 million.
Megaplier Multiplier Prizes
MATCH | PRIZE POOL | 2X MEGAPLIER | 3X MEGAPLIER | 4X MEGAPLIER | 5X MEGAPLIER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
5 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | $20,000 | $30,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
4 | $500 | $1,000 | $1,400 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
3 + Mega Ball | $200 | $400 | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
3 | $10 | $20 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
2 + Mega Ball | $10 | $20 | $30 | $40 | $50 |
1 + Mega Ball | $4 | $8 | $12 | $16 | $20 |
0 + Mega Ball | $2 | $4 | $6 | $8 | $10 |
Megaplier Multiplier Odds
MULTIPLIER | 2X | 3X | 4X | 5X |
---|---|---|---|---|
Odds | 1 in 3 | 1 in 2.5 | 1 in 5 | 1 in 15 |
Just the Jackpot
Certain states offer an exclusive promotion known as "Just the Jackpot". This special option is designed for jackpot enthusiasts enabling them to focus solely on winning the grand prize. Priced at $3 participants receive two chances to hit the jackpot with no eligibility for any other prize categories.
To date the following states offer the "Just the Jackpot" option: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Game Schedule
SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Draw Time | 11:00 p.m. ET | 11:00 p.m. ET | |||||
Sales Close | Check jurisdiction | Check jurisdiction |
Watch the Latest Mega Millions Lottery Draw
Top 10 biggest Mega Millions wins
PLACE | STATE | DATE | NUMBERS | AMOUNT |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st | Florida | August 8, 2023 |
|
$1.58 Billion |
2nd | South Carolina | October 23, 2018 |
|
$1.537 Billion |
3rd | Maine | January 13, 2023 |
|
$1.348 Billion |
4th | Illinois | July 29, 2022 |
|
$1.337 Billion |
5th | Michigan | January 22, 2021 |
|
$1.05 Billion |
6th | Kansas, Illinois & Maryland | March 30, 2012 |
|
$656 Million |
7th | California & Georgia | December 17, 2013 |
|
$648 Million |
8th | California | July 24, 2018 |
|
$543 Million |
9th | Indiana | July 8, 2016 |
|
$536 Million |
10th | New Jersey | March 30, 2018 |
|
$533 Million |
Advanced Draws
Mega Millions players have the option of purchasing tickets for draws in advance. However, the maximum number of draws varies by jurisdiction. Here’s a complete list of the participating jurisdictions and their corresponding limits on advance draw purchases for Mega Millions.
How to claim your prize
To claim your lottery prize, follow these steps:
- Sign the back of your winning ticket.
- Take it to an authorized lottery sales agent for verification.
- If your prize exceeds $599, you might need to fill out a claim form.
- Send the completed claim form to your state's lottery commission.
Please note that winning tickets must be claimed in the state where they were purchased. The timeframe for claiming your prize may vary depending on the state's rules.
STATE | ADVANCED DRAWS | CLAIM PERIOD |
---|---|---|
Arizona | up to 10 | 180 days |
Arkansas | up to 20 | 180 days |
California | up to 10 | 1 year |
Colorado | up to 26 | 180 days |
Connecticut | up to 26 | 180 days |
Delaware | up to 10 | 1 year |
District of Columbia | up to 20 | Not specified |
Florida | up to 26 | 180 days |
Georgia | up to 26 | 180 days |
Idaho | up to 10 | 180 days |
Illinois | up to 25 | 1 year |
Indiana | up to 10 | 180 days |
Iowa | up to 10 | 180 days |
Kansas | up to 15 | 1 year |
Kentucky | up to 26 | 180 days |
Louisiana | up to 20 | 180 days |
Maine | up to 20 | 1 year |
Maryland | up to 15 | 182 days |
Massachusetts | up to 7 | 1 year |
Michigan | up to 30 | 1 year |
Minnesota | up to 14 | 1 year |
Mississippi | up to 26 | 180 days |
Missouri | up to 15 | 180 days |
Montana | up to 24 | 180 days |
Nebraska | up to 24 | 180 days |
New Hampshire | up to 20 | 1 year |
New Jersey | up to 8 | 1 year |
New Mexico | up to 20 | 90 days |
New York | up to 26 | 1 year |
North Carolina | up to 26 | 180 days |
North Dakota | up to 9 | 180 days |
Ohio | up to 10 | 180 days |
Oklahoma | up to 10 | 180 days |
Oregon | up to 20 | 1 year |
Pennsylvania | up to 26 | 1 year |
Rhode Island | up to 26 | 1 year |
South Carolina | up to 20 | 180 days |
South Dakota | up to 9 | 180 days |
Tennessee | up to 10 | 180 days |
Texas | up to 10 | 180 days |
U.S. Virgin Islands | N/A | 1 year |
Vermont | up to 20 | 1 year |
Virginia | up to 26 | 180 days |
Washington | up to 10 | 180 days |
West Virginia | up to 24 | 180 days |
Wisconsin | up to 8 | 180 days |
Wyoming | up to 20 | 180 days |
Where to Play Mega Millions
In total there are 47 states/jurisdictions that offer Mega Millions as part of their Lottery games. You can play by visiting any of the authorized lottery retailers in each state or online if more convenient.
STATE | SINCE | STATE | SINCE |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona | 04/18/2010 | Arkansas | 01/31/2010 |
California | 06/22/2005 | Colorado | 05/16/2010 |
Connecticut | 01/31/2010 | Delaware | 01/31/2010 |
Florida | 05/15/2013 | Georgia | 08/31/1996 |
Idaho | 01/31/2010 | Illinois | 08/31/1996 |
Indiana | 01/31/2010 | Iowa | 01/31/2010 |
Kansas | 01/31/2010 | Kentucky | 01/31/2010 |
Louisiana | 11/16/2011 | Maine | 05/09/2010 |
Maryland | 08/31/1996 | Massachusetts | 08/31/1996 |
Michigan | 08/31/1996 | Minnesota | 01/31/2010 |
Mississippi | 01/30/2020 | Missouri | 01/31/2010 |
Montana | 03/01/2010 | Nebraska | 03/20/2010 |
New Hampshire | 01/31/2010 | New Jersey | 05/26/1999 |
New Mexico | 01/31/2010 | New York | 05/15/2002 |
North Carolina | 01/31/2010 | North Dakota | 01/31/2010 |
Ohio | 05/15/2002 | Oklahoma | 01/31/2010 |
Oregon | 03/28/2010 | Pennsylvania | 01/31/2010 |
Rhode Island | 01/31/2010 | South Carolina | 01/31/2010 |
South Dakota | 05/16/2010 | Tennessee | 01/31/2010 |
Texas | 12/03/2003 | U.S. Virgin Islands | 10/04/2010 |
Vermont | 01/31/2010 | Virginia | 08/31/1996 |
Washington | 09/04/2002 | Washington, D.C. | 01/31/2010 |
West Virginia | 01/31/2010 | Wisconsin | 01/31/2010 |
Wyoming | 08/24/2014 |
Note: Mega Millions was formerly known as The Big Game. A number of states provided this early version prior to a number of game tweaks including a name change on May 17, 2002.
Facts & Rules
Game Rules
- Players pick six numbers from two pools - five from 1 to 70 and one from 1 to 25.
- Each Mega Millions play costs $2 (plus optional Megaplier for $1).
- Each play slip allows you to play up to five sets of numbers.
- The Quick Pick tool will select a random set of game numbers for you.
- Each play line is a separate entry into the next scheduled draw.
- It is possible to play the same numbers across multiple draws.
- The number of advanced draws varies according to location.
Game Facts
- The cut-off time for purchasing Mega Millions tickets varies by state.
- Winnings are subject to federal and state taxes and the amount varies by location.
- Winners of the jackpot can choose to receive their prize as a lump-sum cash option or an annuity amount.
- Drawings are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
- If no one wins the jackpot, the prize money rolls over to the next drawing.
- The Megaplier option is not available in California.
- It was originally called the Big Game the renamed in 2002.
Mega Millions History
- 1996 (August 31): The Big Game is launched in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia.
- 1998 (February): A second draw is introduced on a Tuesday.
- 1999: Cash option is added, the format is changed to 5 from 50 and 1 from 36 plus New Jersey joins the group.
- 2002 (May 17): The Big Game is renamed "Mega Millions" to reflect the larger jackpots and growing number of states.
- 2002: New York, Ohio, and Washington join and the format changed to 5 from 52 and 1 from 52.
- 2003: Texas begin sales and introduce the Megaplier.
- 2005: California joins and the format changes to 5 from 56 and 1 from 46.
- 2005 (June 24): Announces the largest jackpot in its history with a $294 million prize won by a single ticket.
- 2005 - 2010: Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota and the Virgin Islands join.
- 2011: Louisiana joins and all statea adopt the Megaplier (apart from California).
- 2013 (October 22): Higher ticket prices, larger starting jackpots and a 15-second Megaplier drawing are introduced.
- 2013: Florida joins and the format changes to 5 from 75 and 1 from 15.
- 2014: Tickets can be bought in Wyoming.
- 2017: Starting jackpot set at $40 million and format changed to 5 from 70 and 1 from 25.
- 2018 (January 5): $1.586 billion is won by three tickets sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee.
- 2017 (October 28): Mega Millions and Powerball start offering cross-sell tickets.
- 2020 (April 3): Increases the number pool for the main numbers and the Mega Ball.
- 2021 (September): The minimum jackpot increases from $40 million to $50 million.