Just two days after one Arkansas ticket holder won a $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot now stands at $125 million ahead of the drawing on Friday, Dec. 26.
If one lucky person hits the jackpot, they have two options. You can either receive a one-time cash payment of $56.9 million, or you can make an immediate payment followed by an annual check that is 5% larger than the previous year.
There have been six Mega Millions jackpot winners in 2025, the most recent on December 2, when a player in New Jersey won $90 million.
The winning numbers for the Friday, December 26th Mega Millions lottery drawing will be added to this story after the numbers are chosen at 11:00 PM ET.
The lottery winning numbers sponsors are: Jackpocket, USA TODAY Network’s official digital lottery delivery company.
What is Mega Millions? Which states participate?
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game that costs $5 per game. Players can 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.
The lottery can be played in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How to buy Mega Millions tickets
To play Mega Millions, you must purchase at least one ticket for $5. 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.
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.
The Jackpocket app allows you to choose your lottery games and numbers, place your order, check your tickets, and claim your winnings, all using your phone or home computer.
Where can I buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
Win the jackpot in 2025
Below are the latest Mega Millions jackpot winners from 2025.
- $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: Won in Virginia on June 27th.
- $983 million: Winner at Georgia on November 14th
- $90 million: Winner in New Jersey on December 2nd
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). For full terms and conditions, please visit jackpocket.com/tos.
