Mega Millions Prizes
The approximate probability of a prize having 4x MEGAPLIER® is 1 in 5.0. The approximate probability of a prize having 5x MEGAPLIER® is 1 in 15.0.In some cases, fixed prizes may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis and will be lower than these published prize levels. Refer to the Mega Millions Official Game Rules for a detailed explanation. Mega Millions Prizes You win Mega Millions prizes by matching the numbers you pick to the numbers drawn in the game, and there are nine different prizes on offer. You can win $2 for correctly predicting just the Mega Ball, right up to the jackpot for matching all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball.
Mega Millions Prizes Today
- Overall odds of winning a Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24.0. If other players also match all six numbers, you will share the prize with them in equal amounts. Certain low-tier prizes may be paid on a pari-mutuel basis and could be lower than these published prize levels.
- California is the only state that does not award fixed prize amounts, due to state law. The prize amounts are different each drawing, and can be found on the Mega Millions Drawing Detail page. The prize amounts shown above are for the current version of the Mega Millions prize structure, which went in effect starting with the Oct 31, 2017 drawing.
The Mega Millions prizes are the largest ones that the lottery has to offer! So, if it’s huge payouts you’re after, then this is the right lottery for you! The Mega Millions jackpot starts at a staggering $40 million and has risen as high as $1,537 billion! The stories of the biggest Mega Millions winners have made headlines all over the world because the amounts offered by this American lotto game are through the roof.
As exciting as the jackpot is, there is much more to the Mega Millions than the first prize! There are 8 other amazing prize categories available in the game. The Mega Millions second prize is always $1 million, meaning every ticket holder has 2 chances to become a millionaire each draw. Better yet, the Megaplier increases all non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times! Play with the Megaplier and you could turn a $1 million second prize can into $5 million!
Mega Millions Prizes FAQ
- How many numbers do you need to win on Mega Millions?
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, you need to match all the 5 main numbers and the Mega Ball. To win a prize in the Mega Millions lottery, you need to match at least the Mega Ball.
- How many numbers do you need to win anything in the Mega Millions?
To win a prize in the Mega Millions lottery, you have to match at least the Mega Ball. This will earn you the 9th prize in the Mega Millions, worth $2. If you match the Mega Ball and any of the 5 main numbers, you qualify for the 8th prize category, worth $4.
- Do you need the Megaplier to win the jackpot?
No, you do not need the Megaplier to win the Mega Millions jackpot. The Megaplier is the lottery’s multiplier and it is an extra feature that you can add to your ticket to increase your prizes (2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x).
- Do you need the Mega Ball to win the jackpot?
Yes, you need to match the Mega Ball, as well as all the 5 main numbers to win the Mega Millions jackpot. If you only match the 5 main numbers, but not the Mega Ball, you will qualify for the $1 million second prize.
- Does one number on Mega Millions win anything?
No, matching only one of the main numbers in the Mega Millions does not qualify you for any of the 9 prize categories. However, if you match any 1 of the main numbers and the Mega Ball, you win the 8th prize. The payout is $4.
- Do you win anything if you get the Mega Ball number?
Yes, if you match the Mega Ball only, you qualify for the 9th prize in the Mega Millions lottery, worth $2.
The Mega Millions Jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot has the largest starting amount in the US. With a first prize worth at least $40 million every single draw, there are no dull times for this lottery! With every rollover, the amount of the prize is increased. This assures a steady increase and after only a few rollovers, the Mega Millions jackpot can reach some very large amounts. This is how it has managed to pass the $1 billion threshold. On October 23rd, 2018, it has awarded a huge jackpot worth $1.537 billion, which is the second largest lottery prize in world history.
The Mega Millions Prize Categories
There are 9 prize categories in the Mega Millions lottery, including the jackpot. If there is only one winning ticket for the first prize, the winner collects the entire amount. If there is more than one winning ticket for the jackpot, then the winners will get equal shares of the prize. The rest of the secondary prizes in the Mega Millions are guaranteed at the full amount.
Even if you don’t match all the 5 winning numbers and the MegaBall, there are many more prizes you can win every single time. The second prize in the game is worth a full million, guaranteed. Those who play with the Megaplier can get even more because the multiplier can boost the second prize all the way up to $5 million. In the table below, you can see all the prize categories in the game:
| Prize Divisions | Match | Prize | Winning Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪ + 🔴 | Min. $40M | 1:302,575,350 |
| 2nd Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪⚪ | $1,000,000 | 1:12,607,306 |
| 3rd Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪ + 🔴 | $10,000 | 1:931,001 |
| 4th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪⚪ | $500 | 1:38,792 |
| 5th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪ + 🔴 | $200 | 1:14,547 |
| 6th Prize | ⚪⚪⚪ | $10 | 1:606 |
| 7th Prize | ⚪⚪ + 🔴 | $10 | 1:693 |
| 8th Prize | ⚪ + 🔴 | $4 | 1:89 |
| 9th Prize | 🔴 | $2 | 1:37 |
The Odds of Winning Mega Millions Prizes
Mega Millions winning odds for the 9th prize category, matching the Mega Ball only, are 1:37. Of course, everyone really wants to win the jackpot, but that’s a little harder with the odds set at 1:302,575,350.
Players looking to maximise their chance of winning can always play with an odds boosting Mega Millions syndicate. The important thing to remember is that there are no zeros on this page, that is, people win Mega Millions all the time! As long as you keep playing there’s no reason why you can’t win Mega Millions!
Mega Millions Payouts
Mega Millions Payout Analysis
If you are one of the lucky Mega Millions jackpot winners, you will have to decide whether to take the cash option or the annuity payment. It’s important to know that all jackpot amounts are quoted according to the annuity payment option. The cash or lump sum option will net a smaller amount. If a winner opts for the annuity option, they will receive their first payment immediately and subsequent payments every year for 29 years. Each annual payment will be 5% larger than the last, providing a hedge against inflation.
Are Mega Millions Prizes Taxed?
Mega Millions Prizes Chart
States and territories that offer Mega Millions have the right to tax lottery winnings on their own terms. As such, lottery taxes vary from one state to another. The US Federal Government also taxes Mega Millions winnings. Online lottery ticket messenger services are obligated to follow the tax laws of both the US Federal Government and the state in which they purchase tickets. Online players who live outside of the US may be subject to further taxation in their country of residence. In any case, lottery winners should hire a financial professional to help sort out issues like taxes.
Mega Millions prizes are amazing from top to bottom! No matter where you live, you can take a chance to win a life-changing Mega Millions prize by playing Mega Millions online with lottery messenger service theLotter! Good luck!