The Mega Millions is one of the two major multi-state lottery games in the United States, along with Powerball. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening. The July 18th, 2023 drawing will be the next upcoming drawing.
In each Mega Millions drawing, five white balls are drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 70, and one gold Mega Ball is drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 25. To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all five white balls in any order, as well as the Mega Ball. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 302 million.
The current Mega Millions jackpot for the July 18th drawing has not yet been announced. The final jackpot amount will be determined based on ticket sales leading up to the draw. However, based on recent rollovers, the jackpot could potentially be hundreds of millions of dollars.
Aside from the jackpot, there are eight other prize tiers in Mega Millions, ranging from $2 for matching just the Mega Ball up to $1 million for matching all five white balls (but not the Mega Ball). The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are about 1 in 24.
Mega Millions Game Format and Odds
Let’s take a closer look at how the Mega Millions game works and the odds of winning the various prizes:
| Prize | Match | Odds (1 in…) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 white balls + Mega Ball | 302,575,350 |
| $1 million | 5 white balls | 12,607,306 |
| $10,000 | 4 white balls + Mega Ball | 931,001 |
| $500 | 4 white balls | 38,792 |
| $200 | 3 white balls + Mega Ball | 14,547 |
| $10 | 3 white balls | 606 |
| $10 | 2 white balls + Mega Ball | 693 |
| $4 | 1 white ball + Mega Ball | 89 |
| $2 | Mega Ball | 37 |
As you can see, matching all five white balls and the Mega Ball offers the biggest prize, but the odds are extremely long at about 1 in 302 million.Matching just the Mega Ball still wins a $2 prize, with odds of 1 in 37.
Recent Mega Millions Results and Jackpots
On July 12th, the last Mega Millions drawing was held with the following numbers:
White balls: 3, 6, 16, 38, 56
Mega Ball: 13
Megaplier: 3x
There was no jackpot winner in this drawing. The current jackpot estimate for July 18th is $490 million ($247.3 million cash). This jackpot has been rolling over since April 19th, 2023 when it was last won at $20 million. The $490 million prize is the 7th largest in Mega Millions history.
The last time the Mega Millions jackpot was won was on June 7th, 2023. That jackpot was $189 million and was won by a single ticket in Florida.
Some notable recent Mega Millions jackpots include:
- $1.337 billion – Won on July 28, 2022 in Illinois
- $516 million – Won on May 21, 2021 in Pennsylvania
- $1.05 billion – Won on January 22, 2021 in Michigan
The current $490 million jackpot ranks among the top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots of all time. If won on July 18th, it could potentially rank in the top 5.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is easy. Simply choose five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls, and one number from 1 to 25 for the Mega Ball. A Megaplier option is also available in most participating states for an extra $1 per play that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times.
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play. Players can multiply non-jackpot prizes using the Megaplier for an additional $1 per play. For example, the $1 million second prize would become $2 million if the Megaplier number drawn was 2x.
Tickets can be purchased at any authorized lottery retailer in 45 states plus Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands. Many states also allow Mega Millions ticket purchases online. Tickets must be purchased by 10:00 pm ET on Tuesday and Friday before that night’s draw.
Some tips for playing Mega Millions include:
- Use Quick Pick to have the terminal randomly select your Mega Millions numbers
- Play your own favorite numbers or important dates
- Always check your tickets after the drawing to see if you have a winner
- Sign the back of your ticket for security and safekeeping
- Store tickets in a safe place until it’s time to cash in any winners
- Some states allow Mega Millions ticket subscriptions to automatically purchase tickets for future draws
What to Do If You Win Mega Millions
You beat the odds and hit the Mega Millions jackpot – now what? Here are some important steps to take if you win a Mega Millions prize:
- Sign the back of the ticket and keep it somewhere very safe.
- Consult professional legal and financial advisors before claiming your prize.
- Call or visit the lottery office in the state where you purchased your ticket to start the claims process.
- Decide whether to take the lump sum or annuity payment option for the jackpot prize.
- Remain anonymous if your state allows lottery winners to claim prizes anonymously.
- Set aside some of the winnings to pay the taxes on your prize money.
- Set financial goals and plan responsibly for your future.
- Consider establishing a trust and hiring a team to handle your finances.
- Be prepared to say “no” to friends and strangers asking for money.
- Make some dreams come true – travel, buy a new house, pursue your passions.
Winning such a large lottery amount can drastically change your life. Proceed with caution, take it slowly, and enlist the help of experts to make the most of your Mega Millions fortune while staying grounded.
Fun Facts About Mega Millions
Here are some interesting and fun facts about the Mega Millions lottery:
- In October 2017, Mega Millions changed its format to increase the starting jackpots and make the games odds longer.
- Mega Millions can trace its origins back to 1996 when several US lotteries united to create the multi-state game The Big Game.
- The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
- Mega Millions holds the record for the largest lottery jackpot ever won on a single ticket in the U.S.
- 20 Mega Millions jackpots awarded so far have been over $300 million, with the top 6 exceeding $500 million.
- Not all Mega Millions states participate in the Megaplier option that multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
- Mega Millions drawings are held at WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
- The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are about 1 in 302 million.
- You are more likely to be struck by lightning (odds of 1 in 1.1 million) than win the Mega Millions jackpot.
- Mega Millions is responsible for the 2nd largest Powerball/Mega Millions jackpot at $1.05 billion in January 2021.
Why Lotteries Like Mega Millions Are So Popular
Mega Millions and other nationwide lottery games are immensely popular for a few key reasons:
- Huge jackpots – The potential to win hundreds of millions creates enormous interest and ticket sales.
- Life-changing sums – Jackpot annuities pay out over 30 years, providing decades of financial security.
- Long odds – While unlikely, a chance at a jackpot for just $2 or $3 is enticing.
- Easy to play – Players only choose 5 numbers from 1-70 plus a Mega Ball from 1-25.
- Consistent drawings – Drawings twice a week build suspense and keep potential jackpots growing.
- Multi-state network – More states means more players and bigger jackpots.
- Additional prize tiers – Besides the jackpot, prizes from $2 million down to $2 give more chances to win.
- Good causes – Lottery revenue funds education, senior citizens, conservation, and other public programs.
For a modest investment, lottery games like Mega Millions bring the possibility, however remote, of an enormous payoff. This captures people’s imaginations and keeps the lottery popular year after year.
Key Takeaways
- The next Mega Millions drawing is July 18th, 2023 with an estimated $490 million jackpot.
- Players try to match 5 numbers from 1-70 and the Mega Ball from 1-25 to win prizes.
- The odds of hitting the jackpot are about 1 in 302 million.
- Aside from the jackpot, there are 8 other prize levels in Mega Millions.
- Tickets can be purchased for $2 each, with the Megaplier option for an extra $1.
- Make sure to sign your ticket and keep it somewhere secure if you win a prize.
- Consult financial experts before claiming a Mega Millions jackpot.
- Mega Millions tickets cannot be canceled – once printed they are official game plays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 at 11 pm ET.
What channel broadcasts the Mega Millions drawings?
Mega Millions drawings can be viewed on television stations across the country, including WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia where the drawings are held. Many state lottery websites also stream the drawings online.
How late can you buy Mega Millions tickets?
The deadline for buying Mega Millions tickets varies by state, but is usually until 10:45 pm local time on the night of the drawing. Some states allow online ticket sales until 10:00 pm ET.
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play. You can add the Megaplier for $1 more per play to increase non-jackpot prizes. Most states allow you to play up to 10 consecutive drawings on one ticket.
What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever?
The current Mega Millions record jackpot is $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018. The cash option was $877.8 million.
Has anyone ever won the Mega Millions twice?
Incredibly, a handful of people have won two substantial Mega Millions prizes over the years. However, no one has ever hit two Mega Millions jackpots.
What are the chances of winning Mega Millions?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are about 1 in 302.6 million. The odds to match any prize are 1 in 24.
How many numbers do you need to win Mega Millions?
You need to match all 5 white balls and the Mega Ball to win the Mega Millions jackpot. The lowest prize is $2 for matching just the Mega Ball.
Where do Mega Millions ticket sales go?
Mega Millions ticket sales are split between the participating Mega Millions states to use for government programs and services, as well as retailer commissions and lottery operating expenses.
Conclusion
Mega Millions is a hugely popular multi-state lottery drawing, with jackpots starting at $20 million that can grow into the hundreds of millions before a winner is drawn. The July 18th, 2023 jackpot is estimated at $490 million and could potentially crack the top 10 largest Mega Millions prizes ever. Players select 5 numbers from 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball from 1-25 for a shot at one of nine prize levels, from $2 all the way up to the jackpot. Play responsibly and be sure to check your tickets after the next drawing on Tuesday night to see if you’ve won a prize!