$1.1B Mega Millions jackpot winning numbers

How do I play Mega Millions?

Playing Mega Millions can be an exciting adventure, but before you dive in, let’s understand the basics.

Each ticket costs $2, but you can add the Megaplier for an extra dollar. This option multiplies your potential prize money (excluding the jackpot) by up to five times.

You have to choose five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. Alternatively, you can let the lottery machine randomly generate your numbers. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or resident of a specific state to buy your ticket.

What’s the Megaplier?

The Megaplier is a feature available in most states that can boost non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or even five times. It costs an additional dollar per play. Before each regular Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier is drawn. The pool of 15 balls includes five with “2X”, three with “4X”, and one with “5X” markings.

Where can I play Mega Millions?

You can play Mega Millions in 45 states, as well as in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States that do not offer Mega Millions are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. You can purchase Mega Millions tickets at various convenience stores, gas stations, and retail outlets. Some states also allow online ticket purchases, but be cautious of fraudulent websites. Check with your state lottery for more details.

What’s the deadline for buying Mega Millions tickets?

The cutoff time for buying Mega Millions tickets varies by state, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute. The time window can range from 15 minutes to an hour or more before the actual drawing. Some third-party lottery apps might have a cutoff time about two hours before the drawing. For example, in New Jersey, the cutoff time for the jackpot is 9:15 PM. Click here to check the cutoff time in your location.

What are my chances of winning?

Mega Millions can be thrilling to play, but don’t break the bank before you win. The odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302,575,350. Matching all five white balls has odds of about 1 in 12,607,306.

What does the cash option mean?

In the United States, most major lotteries, including Mega Millions, offer winners the choice between an annuity option and a cash option. With the annuity option, you receive payments over time, with an immediate cash payment followed by annual payments over 29 years, each increasing by 5%. The cash option is considerably less than the advertised jackpot but is paid out all at once. You won’t have to wait decades to get the full amount.

Can a jackpot winner remain anonymous?

In some states, like New Jersey, winners can remain anonymous. While this hasn’t always been the case, a law allowing winners to remain anonymous was signed by Governor Phil Murphy. In other states, the winner’s name and hometown become public record. Check with your state lottery for more information.