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 again ahead of the July 28 drawing and now stands at $800 million, with a cash value of $344.2 million, making it the 10th largest prize in the game’s history.
If someone is lucky enough to win the jackpot, they have two options. Take home one-time cash or get paid instantly, then receive a check each year for 5% more than the previous year.
The last time someone won the Mega Millions jackpot was more than four months ago, when an Ohio man took home $60 million on St. Patrick’s Day.
Here’s what you need to know about the Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday, July 28, including the winning numbers.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for July 28, 2026?
Here are the winning numbers for Tuesday’s Mega Millions lottery. 34, 48, 49, 59 and 70. mega ball is 12.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 31st 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
- $800 million on July 28, 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 different number pools: five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold mega ball), or choose 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 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. However, it typically takes 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 from 1 to 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”.
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_.
