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.
What is Mega Millions?
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.
How the 5+1 format works
- Pick five different white-ball numbers (1-70).
- Pick one Mega Ball (1-25).
- Optional: add Megaplier for $1.
- Match numbers across nine prize tiers.
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.
All nine Mega Millions prize tiers
| 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 multiplier explained
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.
Odds vs Powerball and other lotteries
| 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).
Using our Mega Millions generator
Our tool generates a full line: five unique white balls from 1 to 70 plus one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. Use it as a personal quick pick before buying a real ticket — not a prediction system.
Odds are identical whether you quick-pick or choose numbers yourself. See also: random number 1 to 70, random number 1 to 25, and the Mega Millions odds calculator.
How to claim prizes
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.
Responsible play
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700. Set a budget. Never borrow to play. Mega Millions is negative expected value by design.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
Yes. It draws five white balls (1–70) and one Mega Ball (1–25) together, matching the official ticket format.
Disclaimer: Informational content only. Must be 18+ (21+ in Arizona). Gamble responsibly.
Last updated: June 2026