Mega Millions is one of the two major multi-state lottery games in the United States, along with Powerball. Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday evening, with a minimum jackpot of $40 million that continues to grow until there is a winner. Many people are interested in watching the Mega Millions drawings live to find out the winning numbers right away. This leads to the question – is Mega Millions aired on ABC?
The short answer is no, Mega Millions drawings are not televised on ABC. Mega Millions drawings are exclusively shown on cable TV channels in select markets around the country. Most Mega Millions drawings are televised by cable news channels like Fox Business or by local affiliate stations. ABC does not carry the Mega Millions drawings on any of their stations nationwide.
Where to Watch Mega Millions Drawings
For those hoping to watch the Mega Millions drawings on TV, here are the channels that air the drawings:
– WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia (an ABC affiliate)
– WXIA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia (an NBC affiliate)
– WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois (a CW affiliate)
– WJLA-TV in Washington D.C. (an ABC affiliate)
– KABC-TV in Los Angeles, California (an ABC affiliate)
– WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (an ABC affiliate)
– KSAT-TV in San Antonio, Texas (an ABC affiliate)
– Fox Business Network (available nationally on cable/satellite)
As you can see, while some ABC affiliate stations do carry the live Mega Millions drawings, ABC network itself does not air the drawings. Most Mega Millions drawings are covered by local affiliate stations in the markets mentioned above. Outside of those areas, viewers can watch on Fox Business channel which shows the drawings for the entire country.
So in summary, Mega Millions drawings are not shown on ABC network television. The drawings are only aired on certain local ABC, NBC, CW, and other affiliate stations in select major markets. For national coverage, you can watch the Mega Millions drawings as they happen on Fox Business channel if you have access to that via cable or satellite TV.
Mega Millions Drawing Details
For those new to Mega Millions, here are some key details on how the drawings work:
– Drawings held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 pm EST
– Drawings take place in Atlanta, Georgia
– Two sets of balls used – one set numbered 1-70, the other numbered 1-25
– To play, pick 5 numbers from 1-70, and 1 Mega Ball number from 1-25
– Ticket costs $2 per play
– Jackpots start at $40 million and roll over if no winner
– Second prize is $1 million for matching 5 numbers but missing Mega Ball
– Prizes available for matching some or none of the numbers
– All-cash option available instead of annuity prize
– Tickets must be purchased by 10:45 pm EST on night of drawing to be eligible
The Tuesday and Friday drawings are conducted and supervised by the Multi-State Lottery Association. The balls are drawn using certified mechanical drawing machines, and the drawing procedure is overseen by independent auditors. This ensures that the Mega Millions drawings are random and fair for all players.
Understanding the details of how Mega Millions works can help players decide if and how to play. Key factors like the days drawings are held, the ticket price, and the requirements to win various prize levels are useful for players to know before participating.
Mega Millions Broadcast Partners
As mentioned earlier, Mega Millions does not actually air on ABC. However, some of ABC’s affiliate stations have partnerships with Mega Millions to show the drawings locally.
Here is some background on the Mega Millions TV partners:
– WSB-TV in Atlanta – This ABC affiliate has long been the official broadcaster for Mega Millions. As Mega Millions drawings take place in Atlanta, WSB has a partnership to air them.
– WGN-TV in Chicago – This CW affiliate has carried Mega Millions drawings in the Chicago media market since 2015 after the Illinois Lottery made an agreement with the station.
– WJLA-TV in Washington D.C. – This ABC affiliate joined as a Mega Millions partner in 2017 to provide coverage for much of the Mid-Atlantic region.
– KABC-TV and WPVI-TV – These ABC stations signed deals to broadcast Mega Millions in Los Angeles and Philadelphia markets respectively starting in 2020.
– Fox Business – Has aired Mega Millions nationally since 2010 after a partnership was made between Mega Millions consortium and Fox networks.
So in many of the largest TV markets, local stations have made deals to broadcast Mega Millions locally. However, ABC network itself does not show the drawings nationally across all affiliates. Only specific ABC affiliates in certain cities have agreed to show Mega Millions based on local station deals.
How to Watch Mega Millions Outside Broadcast Areas
For Mega Millions fans who live outside the broadcast partner media markets, there are still ways to watch the Mega Millions drawings as they happen:
– Internet live stream – The Mega Millions website provides a live stream of every drawing as they occur on drawing nights. This can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
– Mobile app live stream – The official Mega Millions app also provides a live stream of the drawings and easy access to winning numbers.
– YouTube – The Mega Millions YouTube channel posts the drawing videos after they take place each week for those wanting to watch at a later time.
– Local news recap – Many local TV stations and news websites will recap the winning numbers and other Mega Millions details even if they don’t air the live drawings.
– Social media updates – The Mega Millions Facebook and Twitter accounts post real-time updates of the winning numbers as soon as drawings are completed.
– Visit a retailer – Many lottery retailers have TV screens in stores showing lottery drawings in real-time. For truly devoted players, visiting a local retailer on drawing nights guarantees live access.
So while the Mega Millions drawings are only broadcast live in a handful of geographic areas, technological options exist nationwide for all interested viewers to tune in as drawings occur. Checking the official Mega Millions social media accounts and website provides real-time winning numbers to anyone.
Mega Millions Syndication Details
For television stations interested in gaining rights to broadcast Mega Millions drawings in their local markets, there is a detailed process required:
– Lottery agreement – The state lottery organization administering Mega Millions in each state negotiates broadcast rights for stations in their state. Broadcast partnerships are formed at the state level between individual lotteries and stations.
– Geographical exclusivity – Lotteries only allow one station per metropolitan area to air Mega Millions. Local stations bid for exclusivity in their geographical broadcast service area.
– Term limits – Drawing broadcast rights are granted to local stations for a fixed period of time, usually 1-2 years, after which new bids are accepted. Incumbents can renew if they remain competitive.
– Advertising limits – Stations can sell a certain amount of advertising time during Mega Millions broadcasts. However, an excessive number of ads is discouraged so players can focus on the drawings.
– Lottery cross-promotion – Partner stations work extensively with the state lottery to cross-promote Mega Millions, jackpot details, retailer locations and more via various methods.
– Digital rights – Select stations are granted rights to stream Mega Millions online and via mobile apps to augment the traditional TV broadcasts.
Partnering with state lotteries to show Mega Millions can be lucrative for local stations due to advertising revenue, lottery cross-promotion, and increased local visibility. However, the terms are structured to encourage responsible coverage that focuses on the drawings themselves rather than overt commercialization.
History of Mega Millions Drawings on TV
Since Mega Millions began in 2002 following a cross-sell expansion of multi-state games, there has been some evolution in how the drawings have been televised:
– 2002-2005 – The original host stations were WSB-TV Atlanta, WGN-TV Chicago and WABC-TV New York. These stations helped establish Mega Millions on TV in its founding years.
– 2005 – Mega Millions drawings moved to WSB-TV Atlanta exclusively when the drawing studio was consolidated there. WSB remains the main host broadcaster today.
– 2009 – The Mega Millions consortium reached a deal with Fox networks to air the drawings nationally on Fox-owned cable channels. This brought Mega Millions to a wider audience.
– 2010-present – Fox Business Channel became the national broadcaster of Mega Millions drawings coast-to-coast, introducing the games to millions more viewers.
– 2015-present – Additional major stations signed on to show Mega Millions as the game grew. WGN-TV Chicago, WJLA-TV Washington DC, KABC-TV Los Angeles and WPVI-TV Philadelphia came on board in subsequent years.
– 2016 – Live streaming of drawings was added to the Mega Millions website and mobile app to augment traditional TV coverage.
The incremental expansion of Mega Millions broadcasting has allowed the game to be seen by more potential players across the country over time. While never carried by ABC, Mega Millions has built an impressive presence through local affiliates, cable channels and digital platforms.
Should Mega Millions Move to a Broadcast Network?
Some observers have debated whether Mega Millions should try to migrate its drawings to a major broadcast TV network like ABC, rather than airing mainly on local affiliates and cable channels. There are arguments on both sides of the issue:
Reasons to move to a big network:
– Increased exposure – ABC reaches more households nationwide than any single local affiliate or cable channel. This could attract more casual players to Mega Millions.
– Prestige – Being on a “big four” network alongside primetime shows could add to the prestige and reputation of Mega Millions as a major lottery game.
– Promotional opportunities – Mega Millions could be cross-promoted during ABC programming and on the Disney-owned family of networks.
Reasons to keep the current model:
– No guarantee of ratings – There is no certainty that Mega Millions would earn strong ratings even on ABC versus established ABC programming.
– Dilution of focus – Local affiliate partners devote blocks of time and promotional effort to Mega Millions versus it being one small part of a major network.
– Less incentive for cross-promotion – Major networks have so many programs they may not heavily cross-promote Mega Millions versus local affiliates who make it a centerpiece.
– Current model is proven – The local and cable partners have successfully established Mega Millions drawings over 20+ years using the existing broadcast strategy.
There are decent arguments on both sides as to whether Mega Millions should make an attempt to switch their drawings to ABC or a similar major broadcaster. Ultimately, the current model has achieved widespread viewership and promotion of Mega Millions across broadcast, cable and digital platforms.
Future Mega Millions Broadcasting Innovations
While the current Mega Millions broadcasting strategy has worked well, here are some innovations that could expand viewership even further in the future:
– Live in-studio audience – Allowing a small group of fans to view the drawings live in the studio could generate excitement and engagement. Powerball has tested this successfully.
– Interactive online streams – Facebook Live, YouTube Premieres and other formats allow real-time chat and interaction while streaming drawings online.
– Multiple streaming camera angles – Offering multiple viewing angles and close-ups on the drawing machines adds transparency for online viewers.
– Augmented graphics on TV – Augmented reality graphics during the on-air drawings could showcase jackpot totals and winning numbers in new ways.
– Behind-the-scenes footage – Providing occasional pre-recorded videos showing the drawing setup and lottery procedures satisfies curiosity on how the system works.
– Shared touchpoints – Having players appear on TV or online to tell their winner stories provides engaging human interest angles.
– Enhanced social media – Greater use of visual social content could promote drawings, winners and game changes.
– Retailer TV feeds – Supplying screens for retailers to show drawings could reach players right at point of ticket purchase.
As media consumption habits shift, Mega Millions has opportunities to evolve how it broadcasts drawings using both emerging and traditional formats. The core focus of revealing winning numbers will remain central, but enhancing the viewing experience around that can drive added interest.
Conclusion
In summary, Mega Millions drawings are not currently shown on ABC television. Instead, Mega Millions has cultivated broadcast partnerships with certain local ABC, NBC, CW and independent affiliate stations in key metropolitan areas. These stations gained rights to air the drawings via deals with their respective state lottery organizations.
For national coverage, Mega Millions drawings are broadcast by cable business channels like Fox Business. So while ABC does not air Mega Millions directly, some of their affiliate stations do based on local lottery arrangements. Between these stations, cable channels, digital live streams, social media and other formats, Mega Millions has achieved strong multimedia distribution even without an ABC network deal.
Going forward, it is possible Mega Millions could try aligning with ABC or another major broadcaster. However, the current model provides focused promotion by dedicated local affiliates and cable partners. There are merits either way, but the existing broadcasting strategy has successfully served Mega Millions for over 20 years and expanded gradually over time. This has enabled the game to reach a wide cross-section of viewers across multiple platforms, even without relying specifically on ABC.