Check out the luckiest states in the lottery
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes takes a look at the states with the most Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots.
After a lucky player in Ohio won a $60 million jackpot earlier this week, the Mega Millions jackpot has been reset to $50 million, with a $22.6 million cash option for the Friday, March 20th drawing.
The victory ended a months-long drought. There was no Mega Millions jackpot winner from December until early March, until an Illinois player won a massive $536 million prize on March 10th. A week later, on St. Patrick’s Day, the Ohio ticket holder struck gold again.
If someone wins on Friday, you have two options. You can choose a one-time lump sum payment or choose annual payments that start immediately and increase by 5% each year.
Here’s what you need to know about Friday’s Mega Millions drawing.
What are the Mega Millions winning numbers for March 20, 2026?
Friday’s Mega Millions winning numbers: 11-20-51-55-63 and the mega ball 4.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th at 11:00 PM ET.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
- $1.602 billion in Florida on August 8, 2023
- $1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
- $1.348 billion on January 1, 2023 in Maine
- July 29, 2022, $1.337 billion in Illinois
- December 27, 2024, $1.269 billion in California
- $1.128 billion in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
- $1.05 billion in Michigan on January 22, 2021
- $983 million in Georgia on November 14, 2025
- $810 million in Texas on September 10, 2024
- March 30, 2012, $656 million in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a lottery that is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Each ticket costs $5 and allows players to choose six numbers from two different number pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball), or choose easy pick/quick pick.
If you match all six winning numbers in the drawing, you win the jackpot. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the jackpot prize will be shared.
How to play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at several locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets online.
Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered 1-70. The golden mega ball ranges from 1 to 24.
If you’re feeling particularly unlucky or don’t want to go through the hassle of picking, you can request a “quick pick” or “easy pick.” When you use these options, your computer randomly generates numbers.
Mega Millions tickets have built-in multipliers that increase your non-jackpot prize by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add a “Megaplier”.
This story has been updated with new information.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
