How to Play Mega Millions

Mega Millions is a multi-state US lottery. You match five white balls plus one gold Mega Ball. This page covers how a ticket is filled, when drawings happen, and where to read results and odds. Educational and entertainment use only — this does not improve your chances of winning.

1. Fill out a ticket

Choose five white balls from 1–70 and one Mega Ball from 1–24 (the current format since April 8, 2025). You can pick the numbers or use a retailer Quick Pick. An optional Megaplier can multiply some non-jackpot prizes; it does not change match odds.

2. Pay the ticket price

Under the April 2025 format, a standard Mega Millions play is $5 in participating states. Confirm the current price at an authorized retailer. LottoData does not sell tickets.

3. Know the drawing days

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Sales typically close 1–2 hours before the draw; check your state lottery for the local cut-off.

4. Check the winning numbers

Compare your ticket with the official winning numbers after each drawing. Our Mega Millions results archive lists public numbers and jackpots; prize claims go through the official lottery.

Next: Mega Millions odds · Mega Millions results · Mega Millions statistics · Mega Millions jackpot history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Mega Millions?
Pick five numbers from 1–70 and one Mega Ball from 1–24, buy a ticket from an authorized retailer, and match the drawing. All six numbers wins the jackpot.
What days is Mega Millions drawn?
Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET, unless the official lottery announces a schedule change.
What are the Mega Millions jackpot odds?
About 1 in 290.5 million on a single ticket under the current format. Overall odds of any prize are about 1 in 23.

Related

Disclaimer: This app is not affiliated with Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto America®, or any official lottery organization. We do not sell lottery tickets. All information is educational/entertainment only and does not increase your chances of winning.