The odds of winning Powerball and Mega Millions are not in your favor
The odds of winning the jackpot with Mega Millions or Powerball are approximately 1 in 292 million. Here, we will introduce things that are more likely to be obtained than large sums of money.
The Mega Millions jackpot is on the rise again and is on track to become one of the top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots in history.
As of Monday morning, Oct. 13, the Mega Millions jackpot was $600 million, with a cash value of $277.2 million, according to the Mega Millions website. It would take more than $648 million to surpass the 10th-largest jackpot won in December 2013 in California and Georgia.
The last time the jackpot was listed was on December 27, 2024, with one lucky ticket sold in California just in time for the new year.
In 2025, there will be a total of four Mega Millions winners. The most recent winner was from Virginia, who won a $348 million jackpot on June 27th.
Prior to the June jackpot, an Ohio player won a $112 million jackpot on April 18th. On March 25th, a lucky ticket holder from Illinois took home $344 million, and earlier this year, on January 17th, another winner from Arizona took home $113 million.
Here’s what you need to know about the Mega Millions jackpot.
What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever?
According to the Mega Millions website, it lists the top 10 biggest jackpots in the history of the game.
- $1.602 billion– Win in Florida on August 8, 2023
- $1.537 billion– Win at South Carolina on October 23, 2018
- $1.348 billion– Win in Maine on January 13, 2023
- $1.337 billion– Win at Illinois on July 29, 2022
- $1.269 billion– Win in California on December 27, 2024
- $1.128 billion– Win in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
- $1.05 billion– Victory will take place on January 22, 2021 in Michigan
- $810 million– Win in Texas on September 10, 2024
- $656 million– 3 tickets won on March 30, 2012 in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland.
- $648 million– Two winning tickets in California and Georgia on December 17, 2013.
Win the jackpot in 2025
According to a previous report from USA TODAY, the latest jackpot winners for 2025 are:
- $113 million– Win at Arizona State on January 17th
- $344 million– Win at Illinois on March 25th
- $112 million– Win at Ohio State on April 18th
- $348 million– Victory in Virginia on June 27th
How to play Mega Millions
To play Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at a variety of 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”.
Where can I buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets onlineJackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery companythe following states and territories of the United States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery games and numbers, place your order, view your tickets, and claim your winnings, all from your mobile phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery carrier of USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue from viewer referrals to the Jackpocket Service. Must be 18 years or older, 21 years or older in Arizona, 19 years or older in Nebraska. Not affiliated with any state lottery. Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (ALL OTHERS). visitjackpocket.com/tos For full terms and conditions.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
