Mega Millions is one of the most thrilling and widely played lottery games in the United States, offering mega jackpots and multiple ways to win. From its humble beginnings in 1996 as "The Big Game" to becoming a nationwide phenomenon, Mega Millions has made history with its life-changing prizes.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on Mega Millions, including its history, how to play, prize structures, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Launch Date: August 31, 1996 (as "The Big Game")
Participating Jurisdictions: 47 (45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
Drawings: Held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM ET at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia.
Starting Jackpot: Varies based on sales (announced before each drawing).
Largest Jackpot: $1.602 billion (won on August 8, 2023, in Florida).
$1.602 Billion: The record-breaking jackpot won in Florida on August 8, 2023, surpassed the previous record of $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
$656 Million: On March 30, 2012, three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland shared what was then the world’s largest jackpot.
Originally launched in six states (Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia), Mega Millions quickly expanded:
1999: New Jersey joined as the 7th member.
2002: Renamed to Mega Millions, with New York and Ohio joining.
2010: A historic agreement between Mega Millions and Powerball® brought 23 additional states into the fold, making Mega Millions a nationwide game.
Choose Your Numbers
Pick five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25 (gold ball).
Use a play slip or opt for Quick Pick to have numbers randomly selected for you.
Ticket Cost
$2 per play.
For an additional $1 per play, add the Megaplier® to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
Ways to Win
Match all six numbers to win the jackpot.
There are nine ways to win, with prizes ranging from $2 to the jackpot.
Optional Features
Mega Millions offers nine prize levels:
Jackpot: Match 5 white balls + 1 gold Mega Ball.
Second-Tier Prize: Match 5 white balls to win $1 million (up to $5 million with the Megaplier).
Other prizes range from $2 for matching the Mega Ball to larger payouts for matching additional numbers.
Odds of Winning the Jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350.Overall Odds of Winning Any Prize: 1 in 24.
The Megaplier is an exciting feature that increases non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x for just $1 extra per play.
Before each drawing, a Megaplier number is selected from a pool of 15 balls:
5 balls marked with 2x.
6 balls marked with 3x.
3 balls marked with 4x.
1 ball marked with 5x.
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot can choose between two payout options:
Annuity Option
The jackpot is paid out as 30 payments over 29 years.
Each payment increases by 5% annually to account for inflation and protect purchasing power.
Cash Option
Mega Millions is the only U.S. lottery offering second-tier prizes as high as $5 million with the optional Megaplier.
Mega Millions has awarded four jackpots exceeding $1 billion, making it a standout among lottery games.
Tickets are sold in 47 jurisdictions: 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Visit the official Mega Millions website.
Check with your state lottery’s website or app.
Call your state lottery’s winning numbers hotline.
Yes, all prizes are subject to federal and state income taxes. Contact your state lottery for specific tax details.
Lottery tickets are bearer instruments. To protect yourself, sign the back of your ticket immediately after purchase. If the ticket is unsigned and lost, anyone in possession of it can claim the prize.
Yes! Visitors to the U.S. can purchase tickets while in the country. However, tickets are not sold outside the U.S., and winnings must be claimed in the state where the ticket was purchased.
Anonymity laws vary by state. Some states require public disclosure of winners, while others allow winners to remain anonymous.
While Mega Millions offers the chance to win life-changing prizes, SCEL encourages responsible gaming. If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, help is available:
Call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 800-522-4700.
Visit Gamblers Anonymous.
Mega Millions: Mega Fun, Mega Prizes. Play Smart. Play Responsibly.