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.
The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $251 million ahead of the Friday, May 15th drawing, giving players a chance at a $112.3 million cash payout.
Two players have already won the jackpot in 2026, but the recent top winners did not reset the game, making the prize higher again. Here’s what you need to know before the next number is drawn at 10:59 PM ET.
If you hit the jackpot, you can choose between a one-time lump sum payment or an annuity that starts with an upfront payment and increases by 5% each year.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest numbers, schedule and how to play.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for May 15, 2026?
Here are the winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions lottery. 17, 23, 25, 52 and 61. mega ball is 3.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at 10:59 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.
Tickets cost $5 and players choose between:
- 5 numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls)
- One number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball)
If all six numbers match, you win the jackpot. If multiple tickets match, the prize will be split between the winners.
How to play Mega Millions
Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and, in some states, online.
Players can do one of the following:
- Choose your own number or
- Use Quick Pick/Easy Pick for randomly generated numbers
Each ticket has a built-in multiplier that increases the non-jackpot prize by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
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_.
