The Mega Millions lottery is a popular game that offers players the chance to win substantial jackpots. Understanding the drawing schedule is essential for anyone interested in participating. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the Mega Millions drawing days and times, including recent changes and how they may affect players.
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players select six numbers from two separate pools: five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Matching all six numbers can lead to winning the jackpot, which often reaches into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Drawing Schedule
Mega Millions drawings are held twice a week:
Tuesday Evenings: Drawings take place every Tuesday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
Friday Evenings: Drawings occur every Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
These drawings are conducted at the studios of WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, under the supervision of the Georgia Lottery.
Time Conversion for Tokyo, Japan
Given that you are located in Tokyo, Japan, it’s important to convert the drawing times to your local time zone. Japan Standard Time (JST) is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Therefore:
Tuesday Drawings: 11:00 PM ET on Tuesday corresponds to 12:00 PM (noon) JST on Wednesday.
Friday Drawings: 11:00 PM ET on Friday corresponds to 12:00 PM (noon) JST on Saturday.
This means that if you wish to watch the live drawings or participate in the excitement, you should tune in at 12:00 PM JST on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
To participate in a Mega Millions drawing, tickets must be purchased before the drawing occurs. The cutoff times for ticket sales vary by jurisdiction. For example, in Pennsylvania, the cutoff time is 9:59 PM ET on drawing days. It’s important to check the specific cutoff times in your area to ensure your ticket is valid for the desired drawing.
Recent Changes to Ticket Pricing
Starting in April 2025, the price of a Mega Millions ticket will increase from $2 to $5 per play. This change aims to offer players improved odds of winning, larger jackpots more frequently, and faster-growing prizes. It’s important to note that this price change will not affect the drawing schedule; only the cost to participate will change.
How to Play
Playing Mega Millions involves selecting six numbers:
Choose five numbers from 1 to 70.
Select one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Players can opt for a Quick Pick, where the system randomly selects numbers, or they can manually choose their numbers. Each play costs $2, or $5 starting in April 2025. Players can purchase tickets at authorized retailers in participating jurisdictions or, in some areas, online.
Watching the Drawings
The Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live on various television stations across the United States. For instance, in New York, the drawings are aired on WSB-TV. Since you are in Tokyo, Japan, you can watch the drawings online through the official Mega Millions website or through various streaming platforms that broadcast the event.
Conclusion
Understanding the Mega Millions drawing schedule is crucial for both prospective and regular players. With drawings held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET, and with the upcoming ticket price increase in April 2025, staying informed ensures that you never miss an opportunity to participate in one of the largest lottery games in the United States.
