Information
Mega Millions is a lottery played in 47 states and jurisdictions that takes place on Tuesday and Friday nights at 23:00 ET. Jackpots start at $20 million and will keep on rolling over and increasing until someone matches all the numbers to win. Players must choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball from 1 to 25 for each entry into Mega Millions they wish to play. In total there are nine prize tiers for players to win in - starting from matching the Mega Ball and increasing each time an additional ball is matched.
More information about each aspect of Mega Millions can be found on the pages below by following their respective links.
How to Play
Players need to choose five numbers and a Mega Ball from pools of 70 and 25 balls for each entry. Additional options, such as multi-draw entries and the Megaplier, are described in this how to play guide.
Prizes
Prizes start at $2 for matching just the Mega Ball and increase in value for every additonal ball that is matched, right the way up to the jackpot for matching all the numbers that has been over $1 billion in the past.
Quick Pick vs Self Pick
Using a QuickPick or choosing your own numbers can be a difficult decision. You can find the advantages and disadvantages of both methods here to help you choose which to go for.
How to Claim a Prize
Claiming a prize varies between states depending on the amount and how long it's been since the draw. Find out what you should do for claiming your prize here.
What to do When You Win
The first thing to do when you win is check your ticket is stored somewhere safe and then follow the guide on this page to make sure you get all your winnings in the best way possible for you.
Scams
Lottery scams are prevalent and are used to prey on vulnerable people, and using Mega Millions is a common way to try and trick people. You can find all the signs of a scam here and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Rules
There are multiple rules that each player must abide by in order to enter a Mega Millions draw and win a prize. You can find a list of all those rules here.
Taxes
Each state has its own rules on taxation of lottery prizes that vary depending on the amount that you have won. Some advice and information on taxes is offered here depending on where you are playing from.
Cash vs Annuity
Jackpot winners have the option to get their winnings as one lump sum payment or over the space of 30 years in increasing installements. The advantages and disadvanatges of both methods are listed here.
FAQs
Read the answers to all the most frequently asked Mega Millions questions, including where you can find the latest winning numbers and what numbers you need to match to win a prize.
Hot and cold numbers
Hot Numbers have been selected a lot recently, whilst cold ones have gone a number of draws without being chosen. Find out which balls are hot and cold right here.
Number generator
Use the Number Generator here to create a set of numbers to enter into the next draw. It works the same as a QuickPick and will select five balls and a Mega Ball for you at random.
Checker
You can use the checker here to see if you have won a Mega Millions prize. Simply put the numbers from your ticket into the checker and it will review them against recent draws to see if they have won a payout.
Winners
Mega Millions has created some huge winners and over 200 jackpot winners since 2002 alone. You can find details of all winners, and the top 10 biggest jackpots, here.
What is the Megaplier and how does it work?
Mega Millions Megaplier increases the value of any non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. This supplementary feature is offered in most states and it costs an additional $1.
Unclaimed Prizes
Many Mega Millions prizes can go months before they are claimed. You can find all the significant prizes that are still to be claimed in your state here.