Mega Millions is a popular multi-state lottery game in the United States. Players pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers – five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25. To win the Mega Millions jackpot, you need to match all six winning numbers in a drawing. However, you can also win smaller prizes by matching fewer numbers.
Quick Overview
Here is a quick overview of how many numbers you need to match to win a prize in Mega Millions:
- Match 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball – Jackpot
- Match 5 numbers but not the Mega Ball – $1,000,000
- Match 4 numbers plus the Mega Ball – $10,000
- Match 4 numbers but not the Mega Ball – $500
- Match 3 numbers plus the Mega Ball – $200
- Match 3 numbers but not the Mega Ball – $10
- Match 2 numbers plus the Mega Ball – $10
- Match 1 number plus the Mega Ball – $4
- Match the Mega Ball only – $2
So in summary, you need to match at least 1 number plus the Mega Ball to win a prize. Matching more numbers increases the size of your prize.
Match All Six Numbers
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, you need to match all six numbers drawn in a drawing. This includes matching the five main numbers between 1-70 and the Mega Ball number between 1-25. The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are about 1 in 302 million.
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and continues growing until someone wins it. Jackpots can roll over for many drawings in a row if no ticket matches all six numbers. The record Mega Millions jackpot to date was $1.537 billion won in 2018.
Match Five Main Numbers
If you match the five main numbers (1-70) but not the Mega Ball, you win a $1 million prize. The odds of matching five numbers but missing the Mega Ball are about 1 in 12 million.
This $1 million prize has much better odds than winning the jackpot but still requires matching all five main numbers. With 70 numbers to choose from in this pool, the chances of randomly picking the right five are slim.
Match Four Numbers Plus Mega Ball
Matching four of the main numbers plus the Mega Ball wins a $10,000 prize. The odds of winning this prize are about 1 in 931,000.
This prize has more reasonable odds than matching five main numbers. With four chances to pick the right numbers from the 1-70 pool and only one from the 1-25 Mega Ball pool, there are more ways to win.
Match Four Main Numbers
If you match four of the main five numbers but not the Mega Ball, you win $500. The odds of winning this prize are about 1 in 38,000.
Matching only four main numbers has better odds than matching four plus the Mega Ball. You have more ways to pick four correct numbers from the 1-70 pool without needing the exact Mega Ball.
Match Three Numbers Plus Mega Ball
Matching three of the main numbers plus the Mega Ball wins a $200 prize. The odds of winning this prize are about 1 in 14,000.
At 1 in 14,000, the odds of winning $200 by matching three numbers and the Mega Ball are quite reasonable. With three chances at the main pool and the single Mega Ball, there are many possible combinations.
Match Three Main Numbers
If you match three of the main numbers but not the Mega Ball, you win $10. The odds of winning this prize are about 1 in 606.
Matching three main numbers has by far the best odds of any Mega Millions prize other than the minimum prize. With 70 numbers to choose from and only needing three correct, the odds are relatively good.
Match Two Main Numbers Plus Mega Ball
If you match two of the main numbers plus the Mega Ball, you win a $10 prize. The odds of winning this prize are 1 in 93.
The $10 prize for matching two main numbers and the Mega Ball is among the easiest to win. With two chances at the main pool and the single Mega Ball number, there are many possible combinations.
Match One Main Number Plus Mega Ball
Matching one of the main numbers plus the Mega Ball wins a $4 prize. The odds of winning this prize are about 1 in 37.
The $4 prize has by far the best odds of any prize in Mega Millions. With 70 choices for the main number and 25 for the Mega Ball, matching one from each pool is relatively probable.
Match Only The Mega Ball
If you match only the Mega Ball number and none of the main numbers, you win a $2 prize. The odds of winning $2 by matching only the Mega Ball are about 1 in 26.
Since there are fewer Mega Ball numbers to choose from compared to the main pool, your odds of randomly matching the Mega Ball alone are better than matching any of the main numbers.
Odds of Winning Any Prize
The overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions, including the $2 prize, are about 1 in 24. This means if you buy 24 Mega Millions tickets, you can expect to win at least $2 at least once on average.
The following table summarizes the odds of winning each Mega Millions prize:
| Prize | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|
| Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
| $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| $10 | 1 in 606 |
| $10 | 1 in 93 |
| $4 | 1 in 37 |
| $2 | 1 in 26 |
Which Prizes Are Most Common?
The $2, $4, and $10 prizes are by far the most commonly won Mega Millions prizes. Here are the approximate odds of winning each prize size:
- Odds of winning $2 prize – 1 in 26 tickets
- Odds of winning $4 prize – 1 in 37 tickets
- Odds of winning $10 prize – 1 in 89 tickets
- Odds of winning $200 prize – 1 in 7,509 tickets
- Odds of winning $500 prize – 1 in 65535 tickets
- Odds of winning $10,000 prize – 1 in 575,757 tickets
- Odds of winning $1,000,000 prize – 1 in 3,385,403 tickets
As you can see, the most common prizes to win are one of the small amounts. But players still dream of matching enough numbers to take home a life-changing jackpot.
Key Strategies to Improve Your Odds
While Mega Millions odds are long, especially for the jackpot, there are some strategies you can use to slightly improve your chances of winning a prize:
- Buy multiple tickets – This increases your total chances for the drawing
- Join an office or pool syndicate – Group tickets share any prizes won
- Use random number selection – Don’t just pick special numbers
- Focus on match 2+Mega Ball or 3+Mega Ball – These have the best odds
However, there is no foolproof method to guarantee a win. The numbers drawn are still random, but using some strategies can help increase your odds.
How to Play Mega Millions
Here is a quick rundown of how to play Mega Millions:
- Pick five different numbers between 1-70. This is your main number set.
- Pick one number between 1-25 for the Mega Ball.
- Mark your six numbers on a play slip or have the lottery terminal randomly select numbers.
- Pay $2 per Mega Millions ticket.
- Wait for the twice weekly drawings held Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Match all six numbers to hit the jackpot!
Mega Millions drawings are held at 11pm ET every Tuesday and Friday. Many states also offer the Megaplier option to multiply non-jackpot prizes for an extra $1 per ticket.
Tips for Playing
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when playing Mega Millions lottery:
- Stick to your budget – never spend more than you can afford
- Understand your odds of winning are extremely low
- Never make financial decisions based on expecting to win
- Set a limit on how frequently you play
- Balance Mega Millions with other entertainment purchases
- Have fun and dream big if you win!
Playing the Mega Millions lottery responsibly means only using discretionary income. You should never spend money meant for bills or essentials on lottery tickets.
Fun Facts About Mega Millions
- Mega Millions holds the record for the largest jackpot in history – $1.537 billion in 2018
- The numbers 7, 8, 24, 42, and 46 were drawn the most times between 1996 and 2020
- The most common Mega Ball numbers are 7, 8, and 9
- Mega Millions replaced The Big Game in 2002
- Mega Millions and Powerball are the two biggest nationwide jackpot games
- The largest Mega Millions prize won on a single ticket is $656 million
Frequently Asked Questions
How many numbers do you need to win Mega Millions?
You need to match all 6 numbers to win the Mega Millions jackpot. The 5 main numbers from 1-70 and the Mega Ball number from 1-25. You can also win smaller prizes for matching fewer numbers.
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are about 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 302 million.
What days are the Mega Millions drawings?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11:00 pm Eastern Time.
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play. You can add the Megaplier for $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
Can you buy Mega Millions tickets online?
Most states allow you to buy official Mega Millions tickets online through authorized lottery websites and mobile apps. You typically need to be a resident of that state and be physically located there when purchasing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are nine different prize levels in Mega Millions, ranging from $2 to the jackpot. The lowest prize can be won by matching just one number plus the Mega Ball. To win the coveted jackpot, you need to match all six numbers drawn.
While the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are about 1 in 24, the jackpot odds are a staggering 1 in over 300 million. With careful number selection and multiple ticket purchases, you can slightly improve your chances of winning.
Mega Millions has made many people millionaires and even billionaires since it began in 2002. Who knows—the next major jackpot could produce the next Mega Millions winner! It only takes one lucky ticket to play the right numbers.
I gave the guy the numbers I waned and the order but he did it to lowest number to highest