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 $277 million ahead of the drawing on Tuesday, May 19th, with a cash option of $120.4 million.
If the ticket wins, it will be the first jackpot hit since St. Patrick’s Day, when an Ohio State player won $60 million.
Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s drawing, including the winning numbers.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for May 19, 2026?
The winning numbers for Tuesday, May 19th’s Mega Millions drawing are: 10-26-34-56-64 and the mega ball 6.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, May 22nd 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
- 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, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets cost $5 and players select six numbers: five white balls (1-70) and one gold mega ball (1-24) or choose Quick Pick. All six numbers must match to win the jackpot. If multiple tickets are won, the prize will be split.
How to play Mega Millions
Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and, in some states, online.
Players choose five white ball numbers (1-70) and one mega ball (1-24) or use Quick Pick/Easy Pick on randomly generated numbers.
Non-jackpot prizes have built-in multipliers that can increase your winnings from 2x to 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_.
