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 increased to $743 million ahead of the drawing on Friday, July 24, with a cash value of $323.4 million, making it the 10th largest prize in the game’s history.
If someone gets lucky and wins the jackpot on Friday, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or get paid instantly, then receive an annual check each 5% larger than the previous year.
No one won the big prize Tuesday, but two players, one from California and one from Arizona, won $2 million and $3 million, respectively. The last time someone won a Mega Millions jackpot was more than three months ago, when an Ohio man took home $60 million on St. Patrick’s Day.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for July 24, 2026?
Winning numbers for Friday, July 24th: 2-5-42-44-60 And Golden Mega Ball: 1
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28th 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
- $743 million on July 24, 2026 – winner to be determined
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 separate pools. Choose five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball) – or ‘Quick Pick’ or ‘Easy 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 long does it take to collect my Mega Millions winnings?
According to Mega Millions, the time it takes to receive your winnings varies by state. This period typically ranges from 90 days to one year from the draw date.
Mega Millions officials encourage players to check with their local state lottery for specific claim periods.
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.” With these options, the computer randomly generates the 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_.
