How To Play Mega Millions

 How to Play

Mega Millions(r), tickets are $2.00 per play

Players can pick six numbers from either one of two pools: five numbers between 1 and 70 (the white balls), or one number between 1 and 25 (the golden Mega Ball). Or, they may choose Easy Pick/Quick Choose. If you match all six winning numbers, you will win the jackpot.

The starting jackpot is subject to sales, and will be announced before every drawing.

Mega Millions has nine possible ways to win any prize. These include the jackpot, $2 and even $2.

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* All prizes in California have a pari-mutuel system. That means payouts are based upon sales and the number winners. All Mega Millions states also set the 2nd to 9th prizes at predetermined amounts.

What if you win a jackpot?

Mega Millions Annuity Option: The Mega Millions Annuity is paid as one lump sum and then 29 annual payments. Each payment is 5% greater than the one before it. This protects winners' purchasing power during inflation.

Find out more about annuity options.

Cash option: This lump-sum payment is equivalent to the Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the Jackpot

There is a limited-time offer called Just the Jackpot in certain states. This new wager type is perfect for jackpot players. It allows them to play only for the jackpot. A player will be able to play for the jackpot two times at a $3 price. The Jackpot tickets alone are ineligible for any other prizes. You can check to see if your lottery offers this option.

Megaplier(r)

The Megaplier feature allows you to multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 2, 3, 4 and 5 times. This cost an additional $1 per play. The Megaplier feature is used before each Mega Millions drawing, which takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Five of the 15 balls are marked 2X, six with 3X and six with 4X. Three have 4X, four with 4X, one has 5X. The following odds are for each Megaplier number and the associated prize value:

Match. Playing Over 9 Lottery Numbers