The Mega Millions Jackpot continues to capture global attention as one of the biggest lottery games in the United States. With jackpots frequently soaring into the hundreds of millions — and sometimes billions — it’s no surprise millions of Americans tune in twice a week for a chance at life-changing wealth.
As of November 2025, the Mega Millions jackpot has reached $800 million, making it one of the top 10 highest prizes in history. The previous jackpot winner came in June, when a Virginia player claimed $348 million.
What Is the Mega Millions Jackpot?
The Mega Millions jackpot is the grand prize awarded when a player matches all six drawn numbers — five white balls and one Mega Ball.
When no player wins, the prize rolls over to the next drawing, increasing until someone hits the jackpot. The game starts with a minimum jackpot of $20 million, but with millions of tickets sold each week, it often grows rapidly.
Winners can choose between:
- Annuity option: Paid out over 30 years.
- Cash option: A one-time lump sum (usually around half the jackpot value).
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is simple:
- Choose five numbers from 1 to 70.
- Pick one Mega Ball from 1 to 25.
- Add the Megaplier (optional) for an extra $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
- Each ticket costs $2.
You can buy tickets from authorized retailers, official state lottery websites, or mobile apps in participating U.S. states. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
Mega Millions Jackpot – Recent Updates
As of October 31, 2025, the Mega Millions winning numbers were:
2, 24, 52, 66, 68 and the Mega Ball: 9.
No ticket matched all six numbers, rolling the prize to $800 million for the next draw on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The cash option for this jackpot is estimated at $371.7 million
Mega Millions Jackpot – Historical Records
| Rank | Jackpot Amount | Date | Winning Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.602 Billion | Aug 8, 2023 | Florida |
| 2 | $1.537 Billion | Oct 23, 2018 | South Carolina |
| 3 | $1.348 Billion | Jan 13, 2023 | Maine |
| 4 | $1.337 Billion | July 29, 2022 | Illinois |
| 5 | $1.269 Billion | Dec 27, 2024 | California |
| 6 | $1.13 Billion | Mar 26, 2024 | New Jersey |
| 7 | $1.05 Billion | Jan 22, 2021 | Michigan |
| 8 | $810 Million | Sept 10, 2024 | Texas |
| 9 | $800 Million | Nov 4, 2025 | Current Jackpot |
These historic jackpots have cemented Mega Millions as one of the world’s most exciting lottery games
How Mega Millions Jackpots Are Calculated
The jackpot size depends on:
- Ticket sales volume
- Interest rates (affecting the annuity value)
- Rollover count from previous drawings
The annuity option pays out in 30 graduated payments, increasing by about 5% annually, while the cash value represents the total amount in the prize pool.
Taxation also affects the final payout — federal taxes apply, and some states levy additional income tax on winnings.
How to Claim a Mega Millions Jackpot
Winners must:
- Sign the back of their ticket immediately.
- Visit an authorized state lottery office.
- Present valid ID and the winning ticket.
- Decide between annuity or lump-sum payment.
Each state has its own claiming deadline, usually ranging from 90 days to one year. Unclaimed jackpots are returned to participating states for future prizes or education funding
Mega Millions Odds & Prize Structure
| Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Adding the Megaplier can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x to 5x.
Responsible Gaming Tips
While chasing the Mega Millions jackpot can be thrilling, it’s important to play responsibly:
- Set a spending limit.
- Don’t view the lottery as an investment.
- Only buy tickets from official sources.
- Seek help from local gaming support hotlines if needed.
FAQs
1. What is the current Mega Millions jackpot?
As of November 2025, the jackpot is estimated at $800 million, with a cash option of $371.7 million.
2. How often are Mega Millions drawings held?
Drawings are held twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.
3. What are the odds of winning the jackpot?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million.
4. Can non-U.S. residents play Mega Millions?
Yes, international players can buy tickets through authorized online lottery services, depending on their location.
5. What’s the difference between annuity and cash payout?
Annuity payments are distributed over 30 years, while cash payout gives you a one-time lump sum (smaller but immediate).
6. How long do winners have to claim their prize?
It varies by state — typically between 90 days to one year after the draw.
7. Are Mega Millions winnings taxed?
Yes. Federal taxes apply to all winnings, and some states impose additional income tax on top of that.
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