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.
As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to rise, Tuesday night’s April 21 drawing will offer $140 million in prizes, or $62.8 million in cash, to the lucky person who beats odds of 1 in 290,472,336.
If someone hits the numbers, they have two payment options. Choose a lump sum payment in cash or an annuity that includes an immediate payment followed by an annual check that increases by 5% each year. The jackpot increase follows two Mega Millions wins earlier this year, including a $60 million prize in Ohio and a $533 million jackpot from a ticket sold in Illinois.
With Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing just hours away, here’s what you need to know before the numbers are drawn.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for April 21, 2026?
USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions lottery after the drawing at 11pm ET.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, April 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 multi-state lottery played in 45 states, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets cost $5 and players choose six numbers from two pools: five white balls numbered 1-70 and one gold mega ball numbered 1-24, or use Quick Pick/Easy Pick to let the computer choose the numbers.
To win the jackpot, your ticket must match all six winning numbers. If multiple tickets match, the jackpot prize will be split between the winners.
How to play Mega Millions
To play, purchase a Mega Millions ticket at participating retailers such as convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, tickets can also be purchased online.
After purchasing your ticket, choose five white ball numbers (1-70) and one mega ball number (1-24). Players who don’t want to choose their own numbers can choose Quick Pick or Easy Pick, which generates numbers randomly.
Mega Millions tickets have built-in multipliers that automatically increase your non-jackpot winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. Previously, players had to pay an additional fee to add Megapliers.
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_.
