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Lotto 6/49US Mega Millions — full guide
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Use the section links to jump ahead.
Related tools
Prize tiers, how to play, odds, and tips. Use the section links to jump ahead.
Mega Millions jackpots start at $20 million and have reached over $1.6 billion. Matching all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball carries odds of 1 in 302,575,350.
Draws run Tuesday and Friday nights. If you need a quick pick before cutoff, this guide walks through the 5+1 format, Megaplier option, prize tiers, and how our generator fits into a real ticket purchase.
Mega Millions is a multi-state US lottery available in 45 states plus Washington D.C. It began as "The Big Game" in 1996 and rebranded to Mega Millions in 2002.
Current format (since October 2017): pick 5 numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and 1 Mega Ball from 1 to 25 (gold ball). Tickets cost $2, or $3 with Megaplier.
Draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Mega Ball is drawn from a separate pool, so it can match one of your white-ball numbers. Quick Pick remains the most popular entry method at retail.
| Tier | Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 white + Mega Ball | Variable (annuity or cash) | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| 2 | 5 white | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| 3 | 4 white + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| 4 | 4 white | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
| 5 | 3 white + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| 6 | 3 white | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| 7 | 2 white + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| 8 | 1 white + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| 9 | Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
Overall odds of winning any prize: about 1 in 24 per $2 play.
Megaplier costs an extra $1 and multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. The multiplier is drawn separately each night.
Unlike Power Play, Megaplier does not guarantee a fixed multiplier on the second tier. A 5x Megaplier on a $1 million Match-5 prize pays $5 million.
| Lottery | Jackpot odds |
|---|---|
| Mega Millions | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| EuroMillions | 1 in 139,838,160 |
| UK Lotto | 1 in 45,057,474 |
Mega Millions has the longest jackpot odds among major Western lotteries. The trade-off is jackpots that regularly exceed half a billion dollars during long rollover streaks.
The record jackpot was $1.602 billion in August 2023 (Florida winner, cash option approximately $794.2 million before taxes).
Our tool generates five unique numbers from 1 to 70. You need a separate Mega Ball (1-25) when you buy a ticket.
Run the generator twice if you want random picks for both pools, or choose the Mega Ball yourself. Odds are identical regardless of method.
See also: random number 1 to 70 and random number 1 to 25.
Claim rules vary by state. Prizes under $600 are typically redeemable at retailers. Larger amounts require a state lottery claim center or mail-in process.
Claim windows range from 90 days to one year. Sign your ticket. Make copies. Consult a tax advisor before claiming jackpots over $1 million.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700. Set a budget. Never borrow to play. Mega Millions is negative expected value by design.
Q: Mega Millions vs Powerball: which has better odds?
Powerball jackpot odds are slightly better (1 in 292M vs 1 in 303M). Prize structures differ at lower tiers. Many players buy both on big jackpot weeks.
Q: Can I buy Mega Millions tickets online?
Only in states that offer official online lottery sales (Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and others as rules change). You must be physically located in the state.
Q: Does our generator pick the Mega Ball?
No. It covers the five main numbers only. Add a Mega Ball (1-25) when purchasing.
Disclaimer: Informational content only. Must be 18+ (21+ in Arizona). Gamble responsibly.
Last updated: June 2026