The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest multi-state lotteries in the United States. It is played in 45 states, including Pennsylvania, as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S Virgin Islands. The game offers incredibly large jackpots that can grow to be hundreds of millions of dollars. This makes Mega Millions an exciting and potentially life-changing game for players in Pennsylvania and across the country.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about playing Mega Millions in Pennsylvania. We will cover how to buy tickets, important dates and deadlines, the costs of tickets, how to claim prizes, the odds of winning, and some helpful tips and strategies. With this information, you will be fully prepared to try your luck with Mega Millions in the hopes of winning a giant jackpot prize.
How to Buy Tickets in Pennsylvania
To play Mega Millions in Pennsylvania, you must purchase official Mega Millions tickets. Tickets can be purchased from any authorized Pennsylvania Lottery retailer across the state. Here are the main ways you can buy Mega Millions tickets in Pennsylvania:
At Convenience Stores
The most common place to buy Mega Millions tickets is at convenience stores that sell Pennsylvania Lottery games. This includes chains like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Turkey Hill, and Sheetz, as well as many smaller, independent convenience stores. When you are checking out, simply ask the cashier for a Mega Millions ticket and they will print one from their lottery terminal.
At Gas Stations
Many gas stations in Pennsylvania also sell official PA Lottery tickets. Gas stations that offer Mega Millions tickets will have signs advertising this near the registers. Some gas station chains where you can commonly find Mega Millions tickets include Sunoco, Exxon, and BP.
At Supermarkets
Most major supermarket chains in PA, like Giant, Wegmans, Weis Markets, and others, have lottery counters inside where you can purchase Mega Millions tickets. Sometimes these lottery counters are self-service while others will have an attendant who can get your ticket for you.
At Pennsylvania Lottery Retailers
In additional to the above locations, there are some retailers in PA that specifically sell lottery games and scratch-off tickets. These PA Lottery retailers are excellent options for easily getting your Mega Millions tickets. You can find authorized retailers in your area by searching the Pennsylvania Lottery website.
Online
Pennsylvania does not currently allow players to purchase Mega Millions tickets online. You must buy tickets in-person from a licensed retailer. However, some third-party courier services allow you to order tickets online for in-state delivery. This can be a convenient option, but use reputable services to ensure you get official PA Lottery tickets.
By Subscription
The Pennsylvania Lottery offers ticket subscriptions for those who want the convenience of not having to buy Mega Millions tickets before every draw. With a subscription, you can have tickets automatically purchased and mailed to you in advance of the next drawing. Subscriptions can be managed online or by calling the PA Lottery.
On Mobile Apps
The official PA Lottery has a mobile app that allows you to check Mega Millions numbers, find retailers, and scan tickets to see if you have a winner. However, you cannot actually purchase Mega Millions tickets directly through the app at this time. You need to visit a retailer in person.
So in summary, buying Mega Millions tickets in Pennsylvania requires going to an authorized lottery retailer. The most convenient options are usually gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Be sure to look for the PA Lottery logo when buying tickets to ensure they are official and valid.
Important Mega Millions Dates and Deadlines in Pennsylvania
When playing the Mega Millions lottery in Pennsylvania, there are some key dates and deadlines you should be aware of:
Draw Days
– Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
Ticket Sales Cutoff
– You can buy Mega Millions tickets in Pennsylvania up until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the drawing.
Claiming Prizes
– For winning tickets, you have one year from the date of the drawing to claim your Mega Millions prize.
Jackpot Annuitized Payments
– If you win the Mega Millions jackpot, you can take a lump sum or annuitized payment option. Annuitized payments are made annually over 30 payments.
Double Play Add-On
– Pennsylvania offers the Double Play add-on feature for Mega Millions. Double Play gives you an extra chance to match numbers in a separate drawing each Tuesday and Friday night.
Being aware of these Mega Millions dates, deadlines, and features in Pennsylvania ensures you do not miss out on playing when jackpots are high and that any potential prizes you win are claimed in a timely manner.
Cost of Mega Millions Tickets in Pennsylvania
Mega Millions tickets in PA cost the following amounts:
Regular Mega Millions Ticket
– $2 per play
Megaplier Add-On
– $1 extra per play
Double Play Add-On
– $1 extra per play
Multi-Draw Tickets
– Play the same numbers over multiple future drawings for $2 per play per drawing.
So a standard Mega Millions ticket with one set of numbers costs $2 in Pennsylvania. You have the option to add on features like the Megaplier and Double Play for an additional $1 each, per play. Multi-draw tickets allow you to buy tickets for up to 10 consecutive future drawings.
When the Mega Millions jackpot grows particularly large, many players choose to add the extra features or buy multi-draw tickets. This gives them more chances at winning with each ticket purchase. However, keep in mind that the overall odds do not change with multiple same-number plays or add-on features.
How to Play Mega Millions in Pennsylvania
Playing the Mega Millions lottery in PA involves picking five main numbers and one Mega Ball number. Here are the steps to fill out a play:
Step 1
– On a Mega Millions play slip, choose five numbers between 1 and 70. You can select your own digits or use the Quick Pick option for random numbers.
Step 2
– In the Mega Ball field on the play slip, pick one number between 1 and 25. Again, you can choose this or use Quick Pick.
Step 3
– Take your completed play slip to a PA Lottery retailer to have your ticket printed. Be sure to pay the $2 per play.
Step 4
– You can add on the Megaplier or Double Play features for an additional $1 per play, per draw if you wish. This is optional.
Step 5
– Check your ticket carefully to ensure it has the exact numbers and options you want.
Step 6
– Wait for the Tuesday and Friday night drawings to see if your numbers match the winning numbers drawn. Match all five main numbers and the Mega Ball to win the jackpot!
With a properly filled out play slip, getting your Mega Millions ticket takes just a couple minutes at authorized PA Lottery retailers across the state. Be sure to check your numbers right away for any prizes!
Odds of Winning Mega Millions in Pennsylvania
The odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are about 1 in 24. Here are the odds for each prize level in Pennsylvania:
Mega Millions Prize Levels and Odds
| Prize Level | Odds of Winning |
| Match 5 Main + Mega Ball (Jackpot) | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Match 5 Main Numbers | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| Match 4 Main + Mega Ball | 1 in 931,001 |
| Match 4 Main Numbers | 1 in 38,792 |
| Match 3 Main + Mega Ball | 1 in 14,547 |
| Match 3 Main Numbers | 1 in 606 |
| Match 2 Main + Mega Ball | 1 in 693 |
| Match 1 Main + Mega Ball | 1 in 89 |
| Match 0 Main + Mega Ball | 1 in 37 |
As you can see, matching the full five main numbers and Mega Ball jackpot is exceedingly difficult, but smaller prizes have much better odds. Focus on trying to match 2, 3, or 4 numbers initially while playing for fun and entertainment. With some good fortune, you could be Pennsylvania’s next Mega Millions winner!
Claiming Mega Millions Prizes in Pennsylvania
If you are lucky enough to win a prize playing Mega Millions in Pennsylvania, here is how to claim your winnings:
Prizes Under $2,500
– For smaller prizes under $2,500, you can cash in your winning Mega Millions ticket at any authorized PA Lottery retailer.
Prizes Over $2,500
– Winning tickets for $2,500 or more need to be claimed at one of the Pennsylvania Lottery’s seven district offices around the state.
Jackpot and Annuity Prizes
– To claim a PA Mega Millions jackpot prize, you will need to put your ticket in a safe place and contact the Pennsylvania Lottery headquarters in Middletown to begin the claims process. Annuity prizes will be paid annually over 30 years.
Double Check Your Numbers
– When claiming any significant prize, sign the back of your ticket and double check your numbers against the official PA Lottery results to verify you have a winner.
Tax Withholding
– For prizes over $5,000, the PA Lottery will withhold federal and state taxes. Consult a tax advisor about your specific liability.
One Year to Claim
– You have one year from the date of the drawing to claim any Mega Millions prizes in Pennsylvania. After one year, unclaimed prizes are forfeited.
Claiming a big Mega Millions prize requires taking some important steps to verify your winnings and ensure proper payment. But the Pennsylvania Lottery does their best to make it a straightforward process for all lucky winners.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions in Pennsylvania
Use these tips to make the most of your Mega Millions ticket buying experience in Pennsylvania:
Check Mega Millions Numbers Online
– Always check PA Mega Millions results online to see if your numbers match the latest winning combinations. This saves having to keep and scan physical tickets.
Sign Your Winning Tickets
– Be sure to sign the back of any winning PA Mega Millions tickets right away for security and validation when claiming.
Join an Office Pool
– Pool your money with co-workers or friends to buy more number combinations when the jackpot is especially big.
Use Important Dates
– Some players like to use birthdays, anniversaries, or other special dates to choose their Mega Millions numbers.
Try a Ticket Subscription
– Subscriptions let you automatically get tickets mailed for every drawing without having to go to the store.
Download the PA Lottery App
– Get winning number alerts, find retailers, scan tickets, and more with the official Pennsylvania Lottery app.
Stick to Your Numbers
– Playing the same number combination each time can be more advantageous than switching numbers constantly.
Purchase Multiply Tickets
– When the jackpot is very high, spending a little more for multiple tickets could mean a bigger chance at winning.
Have Fun and Be Responsible
– Lottery games like Mega Millions are meant for entertainment, so enjoy playing responsibly within your budget.
With strategic play, smart number choices, and some luck, hopefully these Mega Millions tips give you the best shot possible at winning in Pennsylvania!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mega Millions in Pennsylvania
Here are answers to some common questions about playing Mega Millions in the state of Pennsylvania:
Can you buy Mega Millions tickets online in Pennsylvania?
No, Mega Millions tickets cannot be purchased online as Pennsylvania law requires lottery tickets to be bought in-person. However, some third-party courier services will buy and deliver tickets for you.
What days are the Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
How old do you need to be to play Mega Millions in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 18 years old to legally buy Mega Millions tickets in Pennsylvania.
Can Mega Millions winners in PA remain anonymous?
No, Pennsylvania law requires that all lottery winners are identified publicly. Anonymity is not an option for claiming prizes.
What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot won in Pennsylvania?
The largest Mega Millions jackpot won to date by a PA player was a $149 million prize claimed in 2020 by someone in Bucks County.
Where does the money from Mega Millions ticket sales go in Pennsylvania?
Proceeds from Mega Millions in Pennsylvania benefit programs for older residents across the state. Since debuting in 2010, the game has raised over $2 billion for these programs.
Can you buy Mega Millions tickets in other states?
Yes, Mega Millions is played in 45 participating states, so you can purchase tickets and play in other jurisdictions when traveling provided you are over 18.
We hope these commonly asked questions help provide extra insight about playing Mega Millions in the state of Pennsylvania. With the right information, you can play the game smoothly and maximize your chances of winning!
Conclusion
The Mega Millions lottery offers life-changing jackpots to players who match all five main numbers and the Mega Ball. With jackpots starting at $20 million and often climbing over $100 million, it is no wonder Pennsylvania residents flock to play this exciting multi-state game.
While hitting the jackpot requires immense luck, winning smaller prizes in Pennsylvania is more attainable with the right strategies and number choices. With the helpful information in this guide, you can now easily buy Mega Millions tickets at PA retailers, know the important dates and deadlines, understand the costs and odds, and properly claim any prizes you are fortunate to win.
So next time the jackpot is starting to grow into the hundreds of millions, get your Mega Millions ticket and try your hand at becoming Pennsylvania’s newest millionaire winner! Just be sure to play responsibly and have fun in the process. With persistence and a little good fortune, you could find yourself claiming that coveted jackpot someday.
