Mega Millions FAQs
Below you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mega Millions, including about how the draw works, buying tickets, and prize payouts. If you have a question that is not answered here or elsewhere on Lotto.net, please contact us for further help.
When do draws take place?
The Mega Millions lottery is drawn twice a week on a Tuesday and Friday at approximately 11.00pm ET.
Back to TopWhat time do ticket sales close?
Cut off times for ticket sales prior to the draw vary depending on where you’re playing, but sales usually stop up to an hour before the draw is scheduled. Check with your state lottery for confirmation.
Back to TopCan I play if I do not live in a participating state?
You can buy Mega Millions tickets from any participating state, even if you’re not a resident of one, although be aware that if you win a prize you must claim it in the same state that you bought your ticket. Alternatively, you can choose your numbers online from various locations around the world.
Back to TopHow do I claim a prize?
The process differs between states, but in most locations you will be able to claim prizes of up to $599 from any licensed retailer. You would need to contact a local lottery claim centre to redeem prizes above this value, and jackpot claims will only be handled at the relevant state lottery headquarters.
Back to TopHow long do I have to claim?
The claim period is determined by each state lottery, and can differ depending on the size of the prize. Some states offer a claim period of up to a year, while in others it is as short as 90 days. Contact your state lottery to confirm the length of the claim period.
Back to TopWhat happens to unclaimed prizes?
If a claim period expires without anyone coming forward to collect the prize, the money will be redistributed according to a state lottery’s regulations. Most lotteries will use the money to fund public projects in the state. New York, for example, uses the proceeds to fund public education. Prizes can no longer be redeemed after the claim period passes, even if a valid winning ticket is produced.
Back to TopHow old do I have to be to play Mega Millions?
In most states, the minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets is 18 years old, but in Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi it is 21, and in Nebraska it is 19. Some states, such as Colorado, allow minors under the age of 18 to claim lottery prizes won off tickets bought for them as a gift.
Back to TopWhat is the Multiplier?
The Multiplier is a feature of Mega Millions that is automatically included so you do not have to pay extra. Each set of numbers you play is assigned a random multiplier at the time of purchase – 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x – and if you win a non-jackpot prize it will be increased by this value. See the Mega Millions information page for more details.
Back to TopAre winnings taxable?
All winnings from Mega Millions are subject to federal and states taxes, although some locations do not levy a state tax. See the Prizes page for more information.
Back to TopWhat are the odds of winning a prize?
The odds of winning a prize on Mega Millions are approximately 1 in 23 and the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.
Back to TopWhat does the jackpot start at and is it capped?
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $50 million and there is no rollover cap, which means it will continue to roll over until it is won.
Back to TopWhat is the biggest jackpot ever won on Mega Millions?
The biggest jackpot to date is $1.602 billion and it was won on 8th August 2023. The ticket was sold in Florida.
Back to TopWhat does the Mega Millions jackpot currently stand at?
The next Mega Millions jackpot is $96 Million
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