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Mega Millions Lottery Official Information 2025

America's premier mega-jackpot lottery since 1996, operated across 45 states, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — the only lottery to award seven billion-dollar jackpots

What Is Mega Millions Lottery?

Mega Millions is one of America's most popular multi-state lottery games, launched on August 31, 1996 as "The Big Game" and renamed Mega Millions in May 2002. Available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mega Millions offers some of the largest lottery jackpots in the world, with the current minimum jackpot starting at $50 million and growing until someone wins.

Mega Millions made lottery history by introducing the revolutionary two-drum system in 1996. This innovative format uses two separate machines: one drum contains white balls numbered 1-70 (from which 5 are drawn), and a second drum contains gold Mega Balls numbered 1-24 (from which 1 is drawn). This two-drum design has since been adopted by lotteries worldwide including Powerball, UK Thunderball, and Australia's Powerball.

The game is coordinated by state lotteries as a consortium. Each participating lottery sells tickets through its own retail network and contributes to the shared jackpot pool. Mega Millions is the only lottery game in the United States to have awarded seven jackpots exceeding $1 billion to individual ticket-holders in seven different jurisdictions: Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, Maine, Illinois, Michigan, and California.

Quick Facts About Mega Millions

  • Launched: August 31, 1996 (as "The Big Game")
  • Renamed: May 2002 to "Mega Millions"
  • Available In: 45 states + DC + U.S. Virgin Islands (47 jurisdictions)
  • Draw Days: Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET
  • Draw Location: WSB-TV studios, Atlanta, Georgia
  • Ticket Price: $5 per play (built-in Megaplier included)
  • Jackpot Odds: 1 in 290,201,338
  • Overall Prize Odds: 1 in 23
  • Minimum Jackpot: $50 million
  • Record Jackpot: $1.602 billion (August 8, 2023)
  • Top Second-Tier Prize: $10 million (with 10X Megaplier)

How to Play Mega Millions

Playing Mega Millions is simple. For $5 per play (which automatically includes the Megaplier multiplier feature), you select five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24 (gold ball). You can choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery terminal randomly selects numbers for you. To win the jackpot, you must match all five white balls in any order plus the gold Mega Ball.

Built-In Megaplier: Every $5 ticket now includes the Megaplier feature automatically. During each drawing, a Megaplier number (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X) is randomly selected. This multiplier applies to all non-jackpot prizes. The 10X multiplier is available in every drawing. The Match 5 prize (second tier) can reach up to $10 million with the 10X Megaplier. The Megaplier does not apply to the jackpot prize.

California Exception: In California, all prize amounts (except the jackpot) are paid on a pari-mutuel basis, determined by ticket sales and the number of winners. This is required by California state law and differs from the fixed prize structure in other states.

Mega Millions Prize Structure

Mega Millions offers nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $4 for matching just the Mega Ball to the multi-million dollar jackpot for matching all six numbers. Approximately 50% of total ticket sales are allocated to the prize pool. Here's the complete prize breakdown:

Match 5 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 290,201,338

Jackpot (Minimum $50 million)

Match 5

Odds: 1 in 11,688,054

$1,000,000

With Megaplier: Up to $10,000,000

Match 4 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 913,130

$10,000

With Megaplier: $20,000-$100,000

Match 4

Odds: 1 in 38,792

$500

With Megaplier: $1,000-$5,000

Match 3 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 14,547

$200

With Megaplier: $400-$2,000

Match 3

Odds: 1 in 693

$10

With Megaplier: $20-$100

Match 2 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 693

$10

With Megaplier: $20-$100

Match 1 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 89

$4

With Megaplier: $8-$40

Match 0 + Mega Ball

Odds: 1 in 37

$2

With Megaplier: $4-$20

Jackpot Payment Options

Mega Millions jackpot winners have two payment options to choose from, and must make their selection within 60 days of claiming the prize:

Annuity Option: Receive the full advertised jackpot amount paid over 30 graduated annual payments spanning 29 years. Each payment increases by 5% annually to account for inflation. The annuity is funded by government bonds purchased with the jackpot's cash value. The first payment is made immediately upon claiming the prize.

Cash Option: Receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to the cash value of the jackpot, which is typically about 50-52% of the advertised annuity amount. For example, a $100 million advertised jackpot has a cash value of approximately $50 million before taxes. Most winners choose the cash option for immediate access to their funds.

Taxes: All lottery winnings over $5,000 are subject to a mandatory 24% federal tax withholding. Winners will likely owe additional federal taxes when filing their return, as lottery winnings put winners in the top 37% tax bracket. State taxes vary by jurisdiction, ranging from 0% (states like Florida, Texas, California, Washington) to around 10% in high-tax states. Winners should consult with financial and tax advisors before claiming their prize.

Mega Millions Financial Overview

Mega Millions generates significant revenue across participating states. Here's how Mega Millions revenue is distributed based on consortium guidelines and state lottery data:

Category Percentage Description
Prize Payouts ~50% Distributed to winners across all nine prize tiers
Retailer Commissions ~5-8% Paid to retailers for selling tickets and cashing prizes
Operating Costs ~5-10% Marketing, administration, drawing production, security
State Beneficiaries ~25-30% Transferred to state programs and causes

Top State Lottery Revenues (2023): The largest lottery markets in the United States generated substantial revenue from all lottery games including Mega Millions:

How Lottery Proceeds Benefit States: Each participating state determines how lottery profits are used. Common beneficiaries include:

When Are Mega Millions Drawings?

Mega Millions drawings are held twice per week: every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. All drawings are conducted at the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and are supervised by lottery security personnel and certified by Preston, CPA to ensure integrity and fairness.

Ticket sales close at different times depending on the state, typically 15 minutes to 2 hours before the drawing. Check with your state lottery for specific cut-off times. Tickets for the next drawing go on sale immediately after each drawing is completed.

How to Check Mega Millions Results

Mega Millions results are published immediately after each drawing through multiple channels:

Always verify winning numbers through official sources before claiming a prize. Keep your ticket in a safe place and sign the back of it immediately to establish ownership.

How to Claim Mega Millions Prizes

Prize claim procedures and deadlines vary by state. Here's a general guide:

Claim Deadlines: Most states allow 180 days (approximately 6 months) from the drawing date to claim prizes. Some states have shorter periods (90 days in some jurisdictions) while others allow up to one year. Check your state lottery's specific deadline to avoid forfeiting your prize.

Small Prizes (typically up to $600): Can be claimed at any authorized Mega Millions retailer in your state. The retailer will validate your ticket and pay you immediately in cash.

Medium Prizes (typically $600 to $50,000-$100,000): Claim at regional lottery offices or by mail. You'll need to complete a claim form and provide identification. Some states require Social Security numbers for tax reporting.

Large Prizes (above $50,000-$100,000): Must be claimed at your state lottery headquarters. You'll need to provide the original winning ticket, valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or documentation, completed claim form, and potentially additional documentation depending on your state.

Jackpot Claims: Contact your state lottery immediately. Do not sign the back of your ticket until meeting with lottery officials. Consult with financial advisors, tax attorneys, and potentially estate planning professionals before claiming. Consider whether to remain anonymous if your state allows it.

Required Documentation: Winners must provide original winning ticket (unsigned until validated), government-issued photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, completed claim form, and in some cases, proof of residency.

Important: Keep your ticket safe and secure. Sign the back of winning tickets to establish ownership. Tickets are bearer instruments, meaning whoever holds the ticket can claim the prize. Take photos of both sides of your winning ticket as backup documentation. Never give your winning ticket to anyone else to claim on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Mega Millions tickets?

Mega Millions tickets are available at authorized retailers in 45 states, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Retailers include convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and dedicated lottery retailers. Look for the official Mega Millions logo. In select states, authorized online lottery courier services allow you to order tickets through apps or websites. Mega Millions is NOT available in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, or Utah.

Can I buy Mega Millions tickets online?

Online ticket sales options vary by state. Some states operate official lottery websites or apps where residents can purchase tickets online. Additionally, authorized lottery courier services operate in select states, allowing users to order tickets through apps. These services purchase physical tickets on your behalf. Always ensure you're using an authorized service. Direct online sales to the general public are prohibited in most states, and buying tickets from unauthorized websites can result in fraud.

What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290,201,338. However, the overall odds of winning any prize are much better at 1 in 23. The game offers nine prize tiers, with prizes ranging from $2 to the jackpot. Your prizes are automatically multiplied by the Megaplier drawn. While jackpot odds are long, millions of players win smaller prizes in every drawing.

How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?

A Mega Millions ticket costs $5 per play as of April 2025. This price automatically includes the Megaplier multiplier feature, which can increase non-jackpot prizes by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. The previous price was $2 with the option to add Megaplier for an additional $1, but the new format builds the multiplier into every ticket for better value and bigger prizes.

What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever?

The largest Mega Millions jackpot in history was $1.602 billion, won on August 8, 2023, by a single ticket purchased in Neptune Beach, Florida. The winner chose the cash option. This is the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever awarded and ranks among the largest lottery prizes worldwide. Mega Millions is the only lottery to have awarded seven billion-dollar jackpots to individual ticket-holders.

Can I remain anonymous if I win Mega Millions?

Winner anonymity rules vary by state. Some states allow winners to remain completely anonymous, others require disclosure after a certain period, and some mandate immediate public disclosure of winners' identities. States that currently allow anonymity include Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Check your state lottery's specific policies. Winners can sometimes claim through trusts or LLCs in certain states to maintain privacy.

What happens if multiple people win the jackpot?

If multiple tickets match all six numbers, the jackpot is divided equally among all winners. For example, the $656 million jackpot in March 2012 was split three ways among winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland. Each winner received approximately $218 million before taxes. Lower-tier prizes are fixed amounts (except in California), so multiple winners don't affect those prize levels.

How does Mega Millions differ from Powerball?

Both are multi-state lottery games with similar structures, but they have key differences. Mega Millions tickets cost $5 (includes built-in Megaplier), while Powerball costs $2 ($3 with Power Play). Mega Millions draws on Tuesday and Friday; Powerball on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions has odds of 1 in 290.2 million for the jackpot; Powerball has odds of 1 in 292.2 million. Both games start at large jackpots and can grow to billions. Mega Millions is the only game to offer second-tier prizes up to $10 million.

What is the prize payout ratio for Mega Millions?

Approximately 50% of Mega Millions ticket sales are allocated to the prize pool and distributed to winners across all nine prize tiers. The remaining 50% is divided among retailer commissions (5-8%), operational costs including marketing and administration (5-10%), and state beneficiaries (25-30%). This means that for every $5 ticket sold, about $2.50 goes to prizes, with the remainder supporting lottery operations and state programs such as education, veterans services, and environmental conservation.

Mega Millions Record Jackpots & Notable Events

🏆 Top 5 Mega Millions Jackpots in History

Mega Millions has produced some of the largest lottery prizes in world history. The game holds the distinction of being the only lottery to award seven billion-dollar jackpots to individual ticket-holders in seven different states. Here are the top five biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever:

1. August 8, 2023 — Florida (Neptune Beach)
Winner: Anonymous ("Saltines Holdings, LLC")
Ticket sold at Publix supermarket
Largest Mega Millions jackpot in history
$1.602 Billion
2. October 23, 2018 — South Carolina (Simpsonville)
Winner: Anonymous female (largest single payout in U.S. history)
Cash option: $877.78 million
Bought ticket while on "scenic drive"
$1.537 Billion
3. January 13, 2023 — Maine
Winner: Anonymous
Maine's first-ever Mega Millions jackpot
Ticket sold at Hometown Gas & Grill in Lebanon
$1.35 Billion
4. July 29, 2022 — Illinois
Winners: Two anonymous Illinois players (single ticket)
Cash value: $780.5 million
Fourth-largest Mega Millions prize
$1.34 Billion
5. December 27, 2024 — California (Cottonwood)
Winner: Anonymous
Ticket sold at gas station in Northern California
Fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot
$1.22 Billion

Mega Millions has entered billion-dollar territory seven times, with the most recent surge occurring in 2023-2024. The game is designed with long odds (1 in 290.2 million) to generate massive jackpots that capture public imagination and boost ticket sales across all participating states. Since its inception, Mega Millions has created numerous multi-millionaires and transformed the lives of winners across the country.

🎭 The Unprecedented Encino Double Jackpot Mystery

On December 8, 2023, lottery history was made when an unprecedented event occurred: two winning Mega Millions jackpot tickets with identical numbers were sold at the same Chevron gas station in Encino, California. This had never happened before in Mega Millions history.

Both tickets matched all six numbers (21, 26, 53, 66, 70, Mega Ball 13) in separate transactions, splitting the $395 million jackpot. The Chevron station at 18081 Ventura Boulevard received a record-breaking $1.9 million bonus — the highest retailer bonus ever awarded — for selling both winning tickets.

In June 2024, Faramarz Lahijani came forward to claim one half of the jackpot ($197 million). He stated his children picked the numbers, which he had used for decades. The second winning ticket, however, was never claimed and expired on December 8, 2024.

Three days before the deadline, Lahijani filed a lawsuit claiming he purchased both tickets but lost one. He submitted a claim without the physical ticket, arguing there was sufficient evidence to prove he bought both. The California Lottery declined to comment on the active lawsuit. If no valid claim is established, the unclaimed $197 million will be allocated to California public education programs as required by state law.

Legal experts noted that while the odds of two people independently buying identical numbers at the same store are astronomical (1 in 300 million odds for one jackpot, let alone two), physical possession of the winning ticket is typically required for prize claims. The case remains pending.

💰 The South Carolina Billionaire and "Lottery Lawyer" Fraud

The $1.537 billion South Carolina jackpot winner from October 2018 became embroiled in a major fraud case. The anonymous female winner, who bought her ticket while on a scenic drive through Greenville County, claimed her prize in March 2019, choosing the cash option of $877.78 million (approximately $491.6 million after taxes).

In August 2020, federal authorities charged her attorney, Jason Kurland — known as the "Lottery Lawyer" — with defrauding her of $70 million. The FBI alleged that Kurland and three co-conspirators used the winner's euphoric feelings about her windfall to steal funds while claiming to help her manage her wealth.

According to prosecutors, "Lottery winners can't believe their luck when they win millions of dollars, and the men we arrested allegedly used that euphoric feeling to their advantage." The case highlighted the importance of lottery winners carefully vetting financial advisors and attorneys before entrusting them with their newfound wealth.

Additionally, in March 2021, the owner of KC Mart (where the winning ticket was sold) was arrested by the South Carolina Department of Revenue for failing to pay over $100,000 in sales tax, adding another scandal to this historic jackpot win.

Lottery Scams and Fraud Warnings

Mega Millions officials have issued warnings about increasingly aggressive scam operators who fraudulently use the Mega Millions name and logo to deceive consumers. Players should be aware of common scam tactics and how to protect themselves.

⚠️ Common Mega Millions Scams

WhatsApp "Cash Gift" Scam: Scammers send messages via WhatsApp promising $700,000 cash prizes to random phone numbers worldwide. Recipients are asked to pay large fees to claim prizes that don't exist.

Phone Call Scams: Fraudsters call potential victims claiming to represent Mega Millions, promising cash prizes and cars. They sound convincing but are simply trying to steal your money or personal information.

Fake FBI/FDIC Letters: Scammers use counterfeit FBI and FDIC letterhead claiming victims have won the lottery. They require wire transfers of thousands of dollars to "claim" winnings, sometimes including fake photos of "FBI agents" for credibility.

Social Media Scams: Fake news articles on social media (often appearing to be from CNN or other news outlets) claim there will be guaranteed Mega Millions winners or special drawings on specific dates like New Year's Eve with multi-billion dollar prizes.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

Remember: You cannot win a lottery you didn't enter. The only way to win Mega Millions is to purchase a ticket from an authorized American lottery retailer.

No Fees to Claim: There is never a fee to claim a real lottery prize. Any request for payment, wire transfer, or bank details to claim a prize is a scam.

Official Draws Only: Mega Millions drawings only occur on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM ET. Any claims of "special draws" or "guaranteed winners" on other dates are fraudulent.

U.S. Only: Mega Millions is sold only in the United States and only by participating state lotteries. International lottery claims are scams.

Verify Communications: If you receive any suspicious communications claiming to be from Mega Millions, verify by contacting your state lottery directly or visiting the official website at MegaMillions.com.

Report Scams: If you believe you've been targeted by a lottery scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357 or online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also contact your state lottery and local law enforcement.

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Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets

Authorized Retailers: Mega Millions tickets are available at authorized lottery retailers across the United States. Purchase locations include convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and dedicated lottery retailers. Look for the official Mega Millions logo displayed at retailers.

Participating Jurisdictions: Mega Millions is available in 45 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Also available in Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

States WITHOUT Mega Millions: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not participate in Mega Millions.

Online Options (Select States): Some states offer official online ticket purchasing through state lottery websites or apps. Additionally, authorized lottery courier services operate in select states, allowing users to order tickets through mobile apps. These services purchase physical tickets on your behalf and notify you of any wins. Always verify that any online service is authorized by your state lottery.

✓ How to Verify Results: Always check winning numbers through official sources: MegaMillions.com, your state lottery website, authorized retailers with ticket scanning terminals, or official lottery mobile apps. Results are published immediately after each drawing at 11:00 PM ET on Tuesday and Friday. Keep your tickets safe and sign the back to establish ownership.

Drawing Schedule: Mega Millions drawings occur twice weekly—every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Ticket sales close 15 minutes to 2 hours before draw time depending on your state. Check with your local lottery for specific cut-off times.

Visit Official Mega Millions Website

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