Mega Millions
5 numbers (1-70) + Mega Ball (1-25)Min 1 · Max 25
About Mega Millions
Mega Millions is a multi-state jackpot game known for some of the largest lottery prizes ever awarded. Pick 5 numbers from 1–70 and one Mega Ball from 1–25. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions
- The Mega Ball (green ball) comes from a separate pool of 1–25 and must match exactly, just like the Powerball. Generate a new set if you want a different Mega Ball.
- Megaplier is a $1 add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, or 5×. It applies to all prize tiers except the jackpot.
- Matching just the Mega Ball with no main numbers wins $2, the easiest prize available. It pays the same with or without Megaplier.
Mega Millions: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Mega Millions jackpot odds?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. The second prize, matching all 5 main numbers without the Mega Ball, is $1 million, or $2 million with the Megaplier add-on.
How is Mega Millions different from Powerball?
Both are multi-state jackpot games with two number pools and similar starting jackpots. Mega Millions draws Tuesday and Friday; Powerball draws Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions has slightly worse jackpot odds (1 in 302M vs 1 in 292M) but both games are played in Pennsylvania.
When does the Mega Millions jackpot reset?
After a jackpot is won, the prize resets to $20 million for the following drawing. If the jackpot rolls for a long time, the advertised amount can grow to hundreds of millions or more before it is won.
What is the Megaplier and how does it work?
Megaplier is a $1 add-on that multiplies all non-jackpot prizes by 2×, 3×, 4×, or 5×. It applies to every prize tier below the jackpot. For example, matching 5 main numbers without the Mega Ball normally pays $1 million; with Megaplier, that becomes $2 million to $5 million depending on the multiplier drawn that night. The jackpot itself is never multiplied.
What are all the Mega Millions prize tiers?
Mega Millions has nine prize tiers: 5+MB (jackpot), 5+0 ($1 million), 4+MB ($10,000), 4+0 ($500), 3+MB ($200), 3+0 ($10), 2+MB ($10), 1+MB ($4), and 0+MB ($2). The $2 prize for matching only the Mega Ball is the minimum win and is not affected by Megaplier.
Is the Mega Millions jackpot paid as lump sum or annuity?
Winners choose between a cash lump sum or an annuity paid over 29 years in 30 graduated payments. The advertised jackpot reflects the full annuity value; the cash value is substantially lower. Pennsylvania taxes lottery winnings as income, so both payment options are subject to federal and state tax.
What is the Mega Millions ticket cut-off time?
Mega Millions ticket sales typically close around 10:45 PM ET on Tuesday and Friday draw nights, roughly 15 minutes before the 11:00 PM ET draw. Specific cut-off times vary by retailer, so confirm before arriving at the store, especially when jackpots are large.
Does matching just the Mega Ball without main numbers pay a prize?
Yes. Matching only the Mega Ball (0 main numbers + Mega Ball) pays $2. This is the smallest prize in the game and applies even without the Megaplier add-on. It means every ticket that matches the Mega Ball alone gets a $2 return regardless of the main numbers drawn.
Play Responsibly
Lottery play is entertainment. Set a budget before you play and treat ticket purchases as the cost of that entertainment, not an investment or income strategy. No number generator, system, or selection method can change lottery odds. If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available 24/7:
- PA Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
This site is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Lottery. Always verify draw times, ticket prices, and official rules at palottery.state.pa.us.