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. In April 2025 the game moved to its current format: $5 per play, a built-in prize multiplier on every ticket, and a starting jackpot of $50 million. The first drawing under the $5 format was held on April 8, 2025.
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 24. 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.
Check Your Built-in Multiplier
Every play automatically comes with a randomly assigned multiplier — 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X — printed on your ticket at purchase, at no extra cost. There is nothing to add on: the multiplier is included with every ticket and multiplies any non-jackpot prize you win.
Buy Your Ticket
Purchase your ticket from an authorized lottery retailer. Each play costs $5, with the multiplier included in the price. 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 $10 for matching just the Mega Ball to the multimillion-dollar jackpot. Every non-jackpot prize is automatically multiplied by your ticket's built-in multiplier (2X–10X):
| Match | Base Prize | With Multiplier (2X–10X) | Odds (1 in …) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | — | 290,472,336 |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | $2M–$10M | 12,629,232 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | $20,000–$100,000 | 893,761 |
| 4 | $500 | $1,000–$5,000 | 38,859 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | $400–$2,000 | 13,965 |
| 3 | $10 | $20–$100 | 607 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | $20–$100 | 665 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $7 | $14–$70 | 86 |
| Mega Ball only | $5 | $10–$50 | 35 |
The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are approximately 1 in 23. The jackpot odds are 1 in 290,472,336.
The Built-in Multiplier Explained
Every Mega Millions play includes a built-in multiplier at no extra cost. When you buy your $5 ticket, a multiplier of 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X is randomly assigned and printed on the ticket at purchase.
If you win any non-jackpot prize, your winnings are automatically multiplied by your ticket's multiplier. For the $1 million second prize, that means $2 million to $10 million depending on your multiplier — a 10X ticket that matches five main numbers without the Mega Ball wins $10 million. Even the smallest win (Mega Ball only, $5 base) pays at least $10 thanks to the minimum 2X multiplier.
The built-in multiplier replaced the optional $1 Megaplier add-on when Mega Millions switched to the $5 format in April 2025. Unlike the old Megaplier, which was drawn once for all players, your multiplier is assigned individually to your ticket when you buy it.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball
| Feature | Mega Millions | Powerball |
|---|---|---|
| Main numbers | 5 from 1–70 | 5 from 1–69 |
| Bonus ball | 1 from 1–24 | 1 from 1–26 |
| Ticket cost | $5 | $2 |
| Multiplier | Built-in (2x–10x, included) | Power Play (2x–10x, optional) |
| Jackpot odds | 1 in 290.5M | 1 in 292.2M |
| Starting jackpot | $50 million | $20 million |
| 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