How to Play Mega Millions (2024)

How to Play Mega Millions (1)

There are more ways to play Mega Millions now than ever before, but it can be hard to keep track of them. Here’s how to play.

Game Play

There are three options when purchasing a Mega Millions ticket. First, you can pick the numbers yourself. Select five numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. Second, if you don't want to pick yourself, you can use Easy Pick and let the computer choose five random numbers and one random Mega Ball number. Finally, if you have one or two lucky numbers you always pick but don't want to choose the rest, you can combine the two other options by picking the numbers you want and letting Easy Pick choose the rest.

Ways to Play

A standard ticket costs $2. You can win the jackpot or any non-jackpot prize. The Megaplier feature gives you the option to multiply (from two to five times) the value of any non-jackpot prize you win based upon the Megaplier ball that is drawn. Add the Megaplier feature for an additional $1 per set of numbers.

There are Virginia Lottery Game Machines at more than 1,500 locations throughout the state of Virginia, so you don't need to worry about waiting in line to get your ticket. Just pay with your debit card, and you’re done.

You don't have to go to your local grocery or convenience store to play Mega Millions. If you're a Virginia resident, you have the option to play online. All you have to do is register your account, deposit funds and start playing!

A standard ticket costs $2. You can win the jackpot or any non-jackpot prize. The Megaplier feature gives you the option to multiply (from two to five times) the value of any non-jackpot prize you win based upon the Megaplier ball that is drawn. Add the Megaplier feature for an additional $1 per set of numbers.

You can get two Easy Pick plays that each give you the chance to win only the jackpot prize. The two plays together cost $3, which saves you $1. Look at and fill out the bottom of the playslip to play for Just the Jackpot. Available at retail stores only.

How to Win

A player wins the jackpot by matching all five numbers and the Mega Ball number. A player wins $1 million by matching only the first five numbers. That prize (and any non-jackpot prize) can be multiplied if the player purchases the Megaplier option when buying the ticket.

A player who matches four numbers and the Mega Ball wins $10,000; matching four numbers means a $500 win. Matching three numbers plus the Mega Ball means a $200 win and matching three numbers without the Mega Ball means a $10 win.

A player who matches two balls and the Mega Ball wins $10; matching one ball and the Mega Ball wins $4. Matching only the Mega Ball means a $2 win.

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Last modified11/15/22

How to Play Mega Millions (2024)

FAQs

What is the best strategy for Mega Millions? ›

The Mega Millions, like any lottery, is a game of chance. Glickman suggests that the best way to increase your chances of winning is to buy more tickets, within reason. For example, if the probability of winning the jackpot is 1 in 302,575,350 with one ticket, it becomes 2 in 302,575,350 if you buy two.

How do I increase my odds of winning the Mega Millions? ›

But, as Chen and other mathematics experts have said, there are no numbers, combinations, or methods to give you a better chance at the Mega Millions jackpot. You can, however, increase your chances by simply buying more tickets.

What are the 6 luckiest numbers for Mega Millions? ›

As for the Mega Ball, only six numbers have been drawn more than 100 times: 1, 3, 9, 10, 15, and 7.

What are the 5 most common Mega Millions numbers? ›

USA Mega, which tracks Mega Millions statistics, says the most common Mega Millions numbers are 10, 3, 17, 14 and 46 for the first five numbers.

Is it better to do quick pick for Mega Millions? ›

No system of choosing randomly generated picks is better than any other system. Players are encouraged to use whatever system works for them, including their own picks.

Has anyone ever won Mega Millions with Quick Pick? ›

11. $536 Million (Indiana) On July 8, 2016, an Indiana couple won this mega jackpot after buying 5 Quick Pick tickets on a road trip. The winning family was able to remain anonymous by accepting their prize through a law firm in the state.

Who won the lottery 14 times? ›

In the 1990s, Romanian-Australian economist Stefan Mandel and his small team entered the lottery and won. Over and over and over again. The feat, of course, wasn't achieved through having a really lucky set of numbers.

What are the 6 most common winning lottery numbers? ›

The most frequently drawn winning numbers from the main barrel are 17, 7, 11, 2, 3 and 9, while the least frequently drawn are 33, 15, 34, 31, 26 and 1. The most frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 19 and 2, while the least frequently drawn Powerball numbers are 14 and 16.

How to pick Mega Millions numbers? ›

To play, pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers: either five different numbers from 1-70 for the white numbers, and one number from 1-25 for the gold Mega Ball. You win the Mega Millions jackpot by matching your numbers to all six numbers pulled in the drawing.

What are the hot numbers to pick for Mega Millions? ›

Most common Mega Millions numbers
  • 22: Drawn 34 times.
  • 11: Drawn 31 times.
  • 9: Drawn 30 times.
  • 18: Drawn 28 times.
  • 25: Drawn 28 times.
  • 19: Drawn 28 times.
  • 4: Drawn 28 times.
  • 13: Drawn 28 times.
Aug 7, 2023

What numbers win Mega Millions most often? ›

Most common main numbers
  • 10: Drawn 63 times.
  • 3: Drawn 62 times.
  • 17: Drawn 60 times.
  • 46: Drawn 59 times.
  • 14: Drawn 59 times.
  • 31: Drawn 58 times.
  • 64: Drawn 58 times.
  • 8: Drawn 57 times.
Mar 20, 2024

Is Mega Millions random? ›

Many things go into a successful Mega Millions drawing. The drawing machines and ball sets for each game are randomly selected and certified by outside auditors, to ensure that balls and equipment allow each number an equal chance of being drawn.

How to win at Mega Millions? ›

Players may pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers - five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 25 (the gold Mega Ball) - or select Easy Pick/Quick Pick. You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing.

What lottery numbers should I play? ›

Choosing the most commonly drawn Powerball numbers can increase your odds, namely 24, 18, 4, 10 and 21. Picking the overdue numbers is also a good idea because they will get picked eventually.

Does 5 correct numbers win anything in Mega Millions? ›

The second-level prize of $1 million is won by matching all five white balls, known as a Match 5.

What is the best strategy to win the lottery? ›

To better your chances of winning any lottery, you have to buy more tickets, he said. The more tickets, the more chances of choosing the right combination of numbers.

What are the options for Mega Millions winners? ›

If you want your winnings right away, you'll want to select the cash option, but if you want more money in the end, you may prefer the annuity option.

Is it easier to win Mega Millions? ›

Your chances of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are roughly 1 in 302.6 million. Your odds are slightly better when it comes to Powerball, where you have a 1 in 24.87 chance at any prize, ranging from $4 to the jackpot. Your chances of actually hitting the jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million.

How do you win $10,000 on Mega Millions? ›

$1 million prize: One in 12,607,306 (matching all five white balls) $10,000 prize: One in 931,001 (matching four white balls and the Mega Ball) $500 prize: One in 38,792 (matching four white balls) $200 prize: One in 14,547 (matching three white balls and the Mega Ball)

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