Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What you need to know in case you win
Here’s what you need to know in case you hit the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
USA TODAY FAQ only
The Mega Millions jackpot finally topped $1 billion after months of steady growth, now the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history.
The jackpot currently stands at about $1.1 billion with a cash value of $528.8 million after there were no winners in Friday’s drawing.
No one has won the Mega Millions jackpot since December 2023, when two tickets in California split the $394 million prize. The largest jackpot ever won in the Mega Millions lottery was in August 2023, when a ticket won the $1.602 billion prize from Neptune Beach, Florida.
With the current Mega Millions jackpot, it has already topped $1 billion six times.
Are you ready to try your luck and win big? Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s upcoming Mega Millions drawing.
How is Mega Millions played? Guide to tickets, number selection and winning odds
When are Mega Millions withdrawn?
Mega Millions drawings are held in Atlanta every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.
The next draw will be on March 26.
Meanwhile, the next Powerball drawing is Monday night with an $800 million jackpot.
What were the last winning Mega Millions numbers?
The winning numbers from the draw on Friday, March 22 were 3, 8, 31, 35 and 44. Mega Ball was 16 and Megaplier was 3X.
While there were no overall winners from Friday’s drawing, there was a Match 5 + Megaplier winner in Virginia and March 5 winners in California, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska and Texas.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
What is Megaplier?
Most states offer the Megaplier feature, which doubles, triples, quadruples, and quintuples non-jackpot prizes.
It costs an extra $1 per game. Each regular Mega Millions drawing is preceded by a Megaplier drawing. Out of a group of 15 balls, five are marked «2X», three «4X» and one «5X».
How to play Mega Millions
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per game. There are a total of nine ways to win a prize, from the jackpot to $2.
Pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Select Easy Pick or Quick Pick to have the terminal randomly pick numbers for you. You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in the draw.
Players can add a «Megaplier» for $1, which can increase winnings outside of the jackpot by two, three, four or five. The Megapiler is drawn before the Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions numbers.
There are 15 Megapiler balls in total:
- 2Xfive balls
- 3Xsix balls
- 4Xthree balls
- 5Xone ball
What are the biggest Mega Millions jackpots?
Here are the five biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever won, according to the lottery:
- $1.602 billion from one winning ticket in Florida in August 2023
- $1.537 billion from one winning ticket in October 2018 in South Carolina
- $1.35 billion from one winning ticket in January 2023 in Maine
- $1.34 billion from one winning ticket in July 2022 in Illinois
- Current jackpot: $1.1 billion
Where to buy Mega Millions tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these US states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico , New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery game and numbers, place an order, view your ticket and claim your winnings using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital courier of the USA TODAY Network Lottery. Gannett may earn revenue from Jackpocket’s audience referral services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-COMARGAR (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
