How to Play Mega Millions
Your complete guide to one of America's biggest lottery games.
What Is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game has produced some of the largest lottery jackpots in history, including the record-breaking $1.537 billion prize in October 2018. Mega Millions is administered by a consortium of state lotteries.
Step-by-Step: How to Play
Pick Your Numbers
Choose five main numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. You can select your own numbers or let the terminal choose for you with Quick Pick. The majority of jackpot winners have used Quick Pick selections.
Add Megaplier (Optional)
For an extra $1 per play, you can add the Megaplier option. This multiplies any non-jackpot prize by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. The Megaplier number is drawn separately before the main Mega Millions drawing.
Buy Your Ticket
Purchase your ticket from an authorized lottery retailer. Each play costs $2 ($3 with Megaplier). You must be 18 years or older to buy lottery tickets (21 in some states). Several states also offer online purchases through their official lottery platforms.
Watch the Drawing
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Results are broadcast live and posted on official lottery websites and here on Lotto Draws.
Check Your Numbers
Compare your ticket numbers with the drawn numbers. Check results on our Mega Millions analysis page. Always verify with official sources before claiming a prize.
Prize Tiers & Odds
Mega Millions has nine prize tiers, ranging from $2 for matching just the Mega Ball to the multimillion-dollar jackpot:
| Match | Prize | Odds | With Megaplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 | N/A |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 | Up to $5,000,000 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 | Up to $50,000 |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 | Up to $2,500 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 | Up to $1,000 |
| 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 | Up to $50 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 | Up to $50 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 | Up to $20 |
| Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 | Up to $10 |
The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are approximately 1 in 24.
Megaplier Explained
The Megaplier is an optional add-on that costs $1 extra per play. Before the main drawing, a Megaplier number is randomly selected: 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
If you win a non-jackpot prize, your winnings are multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn that night. For the $1 million second prize, the Megaplier multiplies the full amount — so with a 5x Megaplier, you could win $5 million for matching five main numbers without the Mega Ball.
The Megaplier probabilities are weighted: 5x appears in about 1 out of 15 drawings, while 2x and 3x appear most frequently.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball
| Feature | Mega Millions | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
| Main numbers | 5 from 1–70 | 5 from 1–69 |
| Bonus ball | 1 from 1–25 | 1 from 1–26 |
| Ticket cost | $2 | $2 |
| Multiplier | Megaplier (2x–5x) | Power Play (2x–10x) |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 302.6M | 1 in 292.2M |
| Drawing days | Tue & Fri | Mon, Wed & Sat |
Drawing Schedule
Mega Millions drawings take place twice per week:
- Tuesday at 11:00 PM ET
- Friday at 11:00 PM ET
Ticket sales typically close 1–2 hours before the drawing. Exact cutoff times vary by state.
Where to Buy Tickets
Mega Millions tickets are sold at authorized lottery retailers in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Look for tickets at convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Several states also offer online ticket purchasing through their official lottery websites.
The five states that do not sell Mega Millions tickets are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Tips for Players
- Sign your ticket immediately after purchase to establish ownership.
- Check your numbers after every drawing — millions in prizes go unclaimed each year.
- Keep your ticket secure in a safe place.
- Know the claim deadline — most states give winners 90 days to 1 year to claim their prize.
- Play responsibly — the lottery should be fun, not a financial strategy. Only play with money you can afford to lose.
Ready to explore Mega Millions statistics?
View Mega Millions Analysis