Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, known for its massive jackpots. It was created in 1996 and has expanded to include 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game has become a favorite among players hoping to win life-changing amounts of money.
When Are the Mega Millions Drawings?
The Mega Millions drawings happen twice a week: every Tuesday and Friday night at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). These consistent drawing times give players multiple chances each week to win big.
The drawings are held in a studio and broadcast live on television, allowing players to watch the event as the winning numbers are revealed.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
To participate in the Mega Millions, tickets must be purchased before a specific cutoff time on the drawing days. While the exact cutoff time may vary depending on where you live, it is usually around 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday and Friday nights.
For example, in Pennsylvania, the deadline for buying tickets is at 9:59 PM ET. It’s a good idea to check your local lottery’s rules to make sure you don’t miss out on entering the draw.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is simple:
Pick Your Numbers: Choose five different numbers from 1 to 70, and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Choose Your Draws: You can play the same numbers for multiple drawings in advance by using the “Advance Play” option.
Buy Your Ticket: A single ticket costs $2. If you want to increase your chances of winning non-jackpot prizes, you can add the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play.
Where Can You Watch the Drawings?
Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live on TV in various parts of the country. For example, in New York, you can watch the drawing on Univision’s WXTV Channel 41.
To find out where to watch the drawings in your area, you can visit the official Mega Millions website or check your local listings for more details.
What Are the Prize Options?
There are nine ways to win in Mega Millions, ranging from smaller prizes to the jackpot. The jackpot starts at $20 million and increases by at least $5 million each time there is no winner.
Here’s a quick look at the prize categories:
Jackpot: Match all five numbers plus the Mega Ball.
2nd Prize: Match five numbers without the Mega Ball.
3rd to 9th Prizes: Match fewer numbers for smaller prizes.
Recent Mega Millions Jackpots
Mega Millions has a history of offering huge jackpots. For instance, in December 2024, the jackpot soared to $825 million, which was the seventh-largest prize in the game’s history.
These large jackpots are what make the game exciting. When there’s no winner, the jackpot continues to grow, drawing more attention and pushing up ticket sales, which leads to even bigger prizes.
Changes to Ticket Price
Starting in April 2025, the cost of playing Mega Millions will increase to $5 per ticket. This change is designed to boost the size of the jackpots and improve the game’s overall experience.
If you’re a fan of the game, this might be a good time to get familiar with the new pricing before it takes effect.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in playing Mega Millions, knowing when the drawings happen, how to buy tickets, and the prize structure is essential. The game offers an exciting opportunity for a big win, and by understanding the rules, you can make sure you never miss a chance to participate.
Remember, the Mega Millions drawing happens every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Be sure to check your local cutoff times for ticket purchases so you don’t miss your chance to play. Good luck!
