How Mega Millions Works
Mega Millions is drawn every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Players pick 5 main numbers from 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball from 1-24. Following the April 8, 2025 game change, tickets cost $5 per play and every ticket includes a built-in multiplier at no extra cost.
Prize Structure
Like Powerball, Mega Millions has 9 prize tiers. The base amounts below are before the built-in multiplier is applied:
- 5 + Mega Ball: Jackpot (starts at $50 million)
- 5 numbers: $1,000,000
- 4 + Mega Ball: $10,000
- 4 numbers: $500
- 3 + Mega Ball: $200
- 3 numbers: $10
- 2 + Mega Ball: $10
- 1 + Mega Ball: $7
- Mega Ball only: $5
Built-in Multiplier
Since April 2025, Mega Millions no longer has the old optional "Megaplier" add-on. Instead, every ticket includes a built-in multiplier that is randomly assigned as 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x and applied to any non-jackpot prize you win — the jackpot itself is never multiplied. For example, the $1 million Match 5 prize becomes $2, $3, $4, $5, or $10 million depending on the multiplier drawn. There is nothing extra to buy; the multiplier is included in the $5 ticket price.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball
The two games are similar but have key differences. Mega Millions has a larger main pool (1-70 vs 1-69) but a smaller bonus pool (1-24 vs 1-26), making the jackpot odds slightly longer at 1 in 290 million vs 1 in 292 million. Mega Millions mid-tier prizes differ from Powerball, with $200 for matching 3+MB compared to Powerball's $100 for 3+PB. Note that Powerball's Power Play multiplier is still an optional $1 add-on, whereas Mega Millions now builds its multiplier into every ticket.
Playing Mega Millions Smarter
Use our analytics tools to explore Mega Millions drawing patterns, track number frequencies, and generate Quick Pick numbers based on historical data. While no strategy can overcome the odds, having a systematic approach makes the game more engaging and enjoyable.
DrawAnalytics is an informational service. We do not sell predictions or guarantee outcomes. Lottery drawings are random — past results do not predict future drawings. Play responsibly. 1-800-GAMBLER.