💫What Is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game available in 45 US states, Washington D.C., and the US Virgin Islands. It holds the record for the largest single-ticket lottery jackpot ever — an incredible $1.537 billion won in South Carolina in October 2018.
Drawings take place twice per week — Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Tickets cost $2 per play, with an optional Megaplier for an additional $1 that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x.
Originally launched as "The Big Game" in 1996 with just six states, Mega Millions has grown into one of America's most popular lottery games, with jackpots that routinely exceed $100 million. Jackpots start at $20 million and increase with each rollover when there is no winner.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball: Key Differences
Number Pool
MM: 1-70 + 1-25
PB: 1-69 + 1-26
Drawings
MM: Tue & Fri
PB: Mon, Wed & Sat
Jackpot Odds
MM: 1 in 302.6M
PB: 1 in 292.2M
🎯How to Play Mega Millions
- 1
Pick 5 White Ball Numbers
Choose 5 different numbers from 1 to 70. These are your main numbers. You can select your own or let the terminal pick with Quick Pick.
- 2
Pick 1 Mega Ball Number
Choose 1 number from 1 to 25. The gold Mega Ball is drawn from a separate pool, so it can match one of your white ball numbers.
- 3
Optional: Add Megaplier ($1 more)
The Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. It's drawn before the main numbers and applies to all prize tiers except the jackpot.
- 4
Watch the Drawing
Drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Match all 5 white balls + the Mega Ball to win the jackpot!
📊Mega Millions Odds & Prize Tiers
Mega Millions has 9 ways to win, from matching just the Mega Ball for $2 up to the grand jackpot. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Match | Prize | Odds | w/ Megaplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | JACKPOT | 1 in 302,575,350 | N/A |
| 5 white balls | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 | $2M–$5M |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 | $20K–$50K |
| 4 white balls | $500 | 1 in 38,792 | $1K–$2.5K |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 | $400–$1K |
| 3 white balls | $10 | 1 in 606 | $20–$50 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 | $20–$50 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 | $8–$20 |
| Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 | $4–$10 |
Overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize: approximately 1 in 24
✨The Megaplier Option Explained
For an extra $1 per play, the Megaplier multiplies all non-jackpot prizes. Unlike Powerball's Power Play, which has a 10x option, the Megaplier goes up to 5x but is simpler — it applies the same multiplier to all non-jackpot tiers including the $1 million Match 5 prize (which can become $5 million with the 5x Megaplier).
Is the Megaplier worth it? The 3x Megaplier is the most common result (40% of drawings). For a $1 add-on, it can turn a $10 win into $30 or a $200 win into $600. Most notably, a $1 million Match 5 prize could become $2-5 million with the Megaplier — making it a solid value for those hoping to win big non-jackpot prizes.
💰Taxes on Mega Millions Winnings
Mega Millions winnings are taxed the same way as all lottery income in the United States. The tax impact depends on the size of your prize, your state of residence, and whether you choose lump sum or annuity.
Example: $400 Million Mega Millions Win
Lump Sum Option
- Cash value: ~$200M
- Federal tax (37%): ~$74M
- State tax (varies): $0–$22M
- Take-home: $104M–$126M
Annuity Option (30 years)
- Total received: $400M
- Federal tax: ~$148M
- State tax: $0–$44M
- Take-home: $208M–$252M
Remember: the 24% federal withholding is just a down payment. Most jackpot winners land in the 37% federal tax bracket, meaning they owe an additional 13%+ when filing their tax return. Our calculator shows you the true after-tax amount, not just the withholding.
🏆Biggest Mega Millions Jackpots in History
| # | Jackpot | Date | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.537 Billion | Oct 23, 2018 | South Carolina |
| 2 | $1.348 Billion | Jan 13, 2023 | Maine |
| 3 | $1.128 Billion | Mar 26, 2024 | New Jersey |
| 4 | $1.05 Billion | Jan 22, 2021 | Michigan |
| 5 | $810 Million | Sep 10, 2024 | Texas |
| 6 | $656 Million | Mar 30, 2012 | KS, IL, MD |
| 7 | $648 Million | Dec 17, 2013 | CA, GA |
| 8 | $543 Million | Jul 24, 2018 | California |
| 9 | $536 Million | Jul 8, 2016 | Indiana |
| 10 | $533 Million | Mar 30, 2018 | New Jersey |
📺Drawing Schedule & Where to Play
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers in all participating states. Many states also offer online purchases through official lottery websites and apps. Ticket sales typically close 15 minutes to 2 hours before the drawing, depending on your state.
States NOT Offering Mega Millions
Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not participate in Mega Millions. If you live in one of these states, you would need to purchase tickets in a participating state.
❓Mega Millions FAQ
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?▼
The odds of matching all 5 white balls plus the Mega Ball are 1 in 302,575,350 — slightly worse than Powerball's 1 in 292,201,338. However, the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 24, nearly identical to Powerball.
What is the difference between Mega Millions and Powerball?▼
Both are $2 multi-state lottery games. Mega Millions draws from 1-70 (white) and 1-25 (gold), while Powerball draws from 1-69 (white) and 1-26 (red). Mega Millions draws Tuesday/Friday; Powerball draws Monday/Wednesday/Saturday. Jackpot odds and starting amounts are similar.
Should I take the Mega Millions lump sum or annuity?▼
The annuity pays the full advertised jackpot over 30 years with 5% annual increases, resulting in more total money. The lump sum is about 50-60% of the advertised amount but gives you immediate access. Financial experts are divided — the best choice depends on your investment discipline, age, and financial goals.
Can I play Mega Millions if I'm not a US citizen?▼
Yes! There is no citizenship requirement to buy lottery tickets or claim prizes in the United States. However, non-resident aliens may face a higher 30% federal withholding rate on lottery winnings instead of the standard 24%.
How are Mega Millions numbers drawn?▼
Mega Millions uses two separate machines with numbered balls. Five white balls are drawn from a set of 70 balls, and one gold Mega Ball is drawn from a set of 25 balls. The machines undergo rigorous testing and certification before each drawing.
Calculate Your Mega Millions Take-Home
See exactly what you'd keep from today's jackpot after federal and state taxes.
Use the Calculator