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 ahead of the drawing on Tuesday, February 24th, reaching $438 million with a cash value of $203.1 million.
If someone were lucky enough to win the jackpot on Tuesday night, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or get paid instantly, then receive an annual check that’s 5% larger than the previous year.
According to Mega Millions, only 28 of the 45 states participating in the lottery have been lucky enough to hit the jackpot. The biggest Mega Millions jackpot was won in Florida in 2023, with one lucky player pocketing $1.602 billion.
The top five states with the most winners include New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, and Michigan. Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday night’s drawing.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for February 24, 2026?
The winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing are 12, 39, 43, 49, 55 and the Mega Ball is 23.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, February 27th at 11:00 PM ET.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
- August 8, 2023, $1.602 billion in Florida.
- $1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
- January 1, 2023, $1.348 billion 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
- January 22, 2021, $1.05 billion in Michigan
- $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 separate pools. You can choose between 5 different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball) – or 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. Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls, numbered 1-70. Gold Mega Balls range 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?
Mega Millions 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 online through Jackpocket, the USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery courier, in the following U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
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). visit jackpocket.com/tos Over the entire period.
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_.
