The Mega Millions Lottery: How It Works and Where to Play

The Mega Millions lottery is a game that spans multiple states. It costs $5 to play. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. You can also let the system pick numbers for you. If you match all six numbers, you win the big prize. The Mega Millions jackpot reached $125 million on December 26, 2025. This was just two days after someone won a massive $1. 70 billion Powerball jackpot in Arkansas. The Mega Millions winner could choose between a lump sum of $56. 9 million or annual payments that increase each year. In 2025, six people won the Mega Millions jackpot. The last winner before December 26 was from New Jersey, winning $90 million on December 2. The winning numbers for the December 26 drawing were 9, 19, 31, 63, 64, and the Mega Ball was 7. Unfortunately, no one won the jackpot that night. However, a player from Kentucky won a $2 million prize for matching five numbers.You can play Mega Millions in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Tickets are sold at many places, like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some states also allow you to buy tickets online. Additionally, you can use the Jackpocket app to play Mega Millions in certain states. Mega Millions has seen some huge wins in 2025. The largest jackpot was $983 million, won in Georgia on November 14. Other big wins include $348 million in Virginia and $344 million in Illinois. These wins show just how big the Mega Millions jackpot can grow. Playing the lottery is exciting, but it's important to remember that the odds of winning are very low. It's always a good idea to gamble responsibly and only spend money you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help.