Mega Millions: Your Ultimate Guide to America's Lottery

Overview

Mega Millions began life in 1996 as the 'Big Game' and enjoyed rapid growth in popularity the following years as more and more states joined in. Finally in May 2002, the multi-state game was renamed 'Mega Millions'. Mega Millions is now easily America's biggest jackpot game and has millions of people playing. 

On the 6th March 2007, Mega Millions made history with a jackpot of $390 million. This was the record for the largest jackpot not only in North America but the world. However, there are always jackpots starting at $12 million and other prizes ranging from $2 to $250,000!

Players must pick five different numbers from between 1 and 56 plus an extra number known as the Mega Ball number. To win the jackpot, a player must select all six numbers correctly. 

You can currently play in 37 states plus the District of Columbia and drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evenings, even on public holidays.

Lottery Schedule

Drawings for this lotto are held on Tuesday, Friday.

How to Play

Each Mega Millions tickets cost $1 per play. Players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 56 and one number, known as the Mega Ball number, from 1 to 46. Alternatively players may choose an Easy Pick. To win the jackpot players must match all six winning numbers correctly.

Lottery age Limit

You have to be over the age of 18 to participate.

Participating Countries

The following countries participate in Mega Millions: USA.

Prize Structure

In addition to the jackpot, there are other prizes ranging from $2 to $250,000. Except in the state of California, second through to ninth prizes are set at pre-determined amounts.

Grand Prize

$101,134 US Dollar.

Jackpots

Some states use a Megaplier feature in which players can increase non-jackpot prize winnings by 2, 3, or 4 times. In a participating state, you can play the Megaplier for an extra $1. The Megaplier number is chosen from a field of 21 numbers. Any non-jackpot prize won on a Mega Millions play will be multiplied by the Megaplier number drawn if you have purchased the Megaplier feature.

Notable Wins

In March 2007, two winning tickets held by Elaine and Harold Messner and Eddie Nabors shared a jackpot of $390 million. This was the largest jackpot on record in the world. Plus there are literally dozens of other jackpots that have been over $100 million.

Distribution of Revenue

If a jackpot prize is not claimed within the required time limit (somewhere between 6 months to a year depending on the state), each participating state in the Mega Millions game will get back all the money that state contributed to the unclaimed jackpot. Each state uses its unclaimed lottery prizes for different purposes.