$306 Million

History and Overview

Mega Millions is one of the largest multi-state lottery games in the United States, launched on August 31, 1996. It is currently played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions is known for its record-breaking jackpots and substantial secondary prizes, making it a popular choice among lottery enthusiasts.

How to Play

Playing Mega Millions is straightforward and follows a simple format. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Numbers:

   • Players select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 70.
   • Additionally, players select one Mega Ball number from a pool of 1 to 25.

2. Purchase a Ticket:

   • Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in participating states.
   • Each standard entry costs $2.00 per play.

3. Megaplier Option:

   • For an additional $1.00 per play, players can add the Megaplier feature to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times.

4. Quick Pick Option:

   • Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated by the lottery terminal.

5. Multi-Draw Option:

   • Players can opt to play the same numbers for up to 26 consecutive draws in advance.

Draw Time

• Draw Days: The Mega Millions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday.
• Draw Time: Draws are held at 11:00 PM ET (Eastern Time).

Prize Structure

The Mega Millions game features nine prize tiers, with jackpots starting at $40 million and rolling over until there is a winner. Here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:

1. Jackpot:

   • Match 5 numbers + Mega Ball: Jackpot prize, starting at $40 million and increasing with rollovers.

2. Other Prizes:

   • Match 5 numbers: $1,000,000
   • Match 4 numbers + Mega Ball: $10,000
   • Match 4 numbers: $500
   • Match 3 numbers + Mega Ball: $200
   • Match 3 numbers: $10
   • Match 2 numbers + Mega Ball: $10
   • Match 1 number + Mega Ball: $4
   • Match Mega Ball only: $2

Megaplier Multiplier

The Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, depending on the drawn multiplier for that draw. The multiplier does not apply to the jackpot prize.

Odds of Winning

The odds of winning in the Mega Millions game vary by prize tier:

• Jackpot (Match 5 numbers + Mega Ball): 1 in 302,575,350
• Second Prize (Match 5 numbers): 1 in 12,607,306
• Third Prize (Match 4 numbers + Mega Ball): 1 in 931,001
• Fourth Prize (Match 4 numbers): 1 in 38,792
• Fifth Prize (Match 3 numbers + Mega Ball): 1 in 14,547
• Sixth Prize (Match 3 numbers): 1 in 606
• Seventh Prize (Match 2 numbers + Mega Ball): 1 in 693
• Eighth Prize (Match 1 number + Mega Ball): 1 in 89
• Ninth Prize (Match Mega Ball only): 1 in 37

Claiming Prizes

• Small Prizes: Can be claimed at any authorized retailer.
• Larger Prizes: Must be claimed at a lottery office in the state where the ticket was purchased.
• Jackpot Prizes: Require special arrangements for claiming, and winners may need to provide identification and proof of ticket purchase. Winners may choose between annuity payments or a lump-sum cash option.

Important Points

• Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
• Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time on draw days, typically at 10:45 PM ET.
• Winnings are subject to federal and state tax regulations, and winners should consult with a tax advisor if they win significant amounts.

Mega Millions offers players the chance to win life-changing jackpots and substantial secondary prizes twice a week. With the option to add the Megaplier for multiplied non-jackpot prizes, it provides added excitement and value for lottery players across participating states while contributing to good causes supported by the state lotteries.