How to Play Mega Millions
The Mega Millions lottery is another American lottery – apart from US Powerball – that has turned average citizens into billionaires. With multiple jackpots being over $1 billion, and the main prize often being won by a single ticket holder, it’s worth giving it a try yourself. After all, for South Africans prize money of more than $1 billion means over ZAR18 billion!
For newbies just starting to learn how to play games like US Powerball or Mega Millions, there’s no reason to worry. It’s a straightforward game with many prize tiers that can make you rich. We cover all the rules, cut off times and prize guidelines so you can enjoy playing it, whether in person or using online lottery sites.
Contents
- US Mega Millions Basics and Rules
- How to Buy a US Mega Millions Lottery Ticket
- How to Play US Mega Millions Online
- How to Play USA Mega Millions In-Store
- How to Play US Mega Millions via Lottery Apps & More
- How to Know if You Won the Mega Millions Lottery?
- What Happens If You Win the US Mega Millions Lottery?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
In a Hurry?
This quick summary of Mega Millions gives you the most important data to get started.
| Numbers to win the jackpot | 6 (5 Main + 1 Mega Millions) |
|---|---|
| Jackpot type | Rollover |
| Number range | 1 – 70 & 1 – 25 |
| Prize categories | 9 |
| Draw days | Tuesday, Friday (US) Wednesday, Saturday (SA time) |
| Draw time (SA Time) | 10:59 EST (4:59 am SAST) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Claim period | 90 – 365 days (depends on state where ticket is issued) |
| Jackpot odds | 1:302,575,350 |
| Biggest Jackpot | $1.537 billion (~ZAR 27 billion) (Update: September 2023) |
US Mega Millions Basics and Rules
Knowing the rules will make you confident about being a Mega Millions player. Also, by knowing cut off times and draw details you can make sure you don’t miss out on a win. Here are details about important Mega Millions topics to understand.
Playing Mega Millions
Whether you play online or purchase a ticket in person while in the US, you’ll need to abide by strict rules and policies. You can also manage your budget when you stay informed about ticket pricing.
Details to keep in mind:
| Feature | Rules | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | For in person purchases or lottery site registration, be ready to produce proof of age and identification. Vendors are legally allowed to ask for personal details before allowing you to play. |
| Ticket prices | Standard ticket price: $2 (~ZAR36.00) Megaplier (optional): $1 (~ZAR18). | Online lottery sites may charge different prices because they include their service fees. |
Rules and Structure
Mega Millions is an easy lottery game to play and online tools like a Mega Millions number predictor make it even easier to pick the numbers you’ll play with this week. It’s not boring though, as there are features like the Megaplier that makes this lottery different to SA lotteries like Lotto. The guidelines below will clarify all you need to know to join in the excitement.
Understanding the US Mega Millions Structure
The structure of the game that determines the odds of winning is as follows:
- All players pick six numbers in total, but there are two different number grids.
- The first number grid has numbers 1 – 70, and the second runs from 1 to 25.
- An optional feature is to add an additional game feature called Megaplier, which is similar to US Powerball’s Powerplay. If you pay for this benefit, your winnings will be multiplied by the Megaplier number, also picked during the draw. Megapliers can be any number between 2 and 5.
Drawings and Prizes
Players who already know how to the US Powerball game and other lotteries can consider the following differences and similarities to see if you’ll enjoy Mega Millions too:
- Ball sets: Players often enjoy the fact that the lottery’s operator still uses lottery machines with real physical balls, each with a number on. This is different to South African lotteries like Daily Lotto that use a computer system. But don’t worry, both types of systems are audited and are fair to all players.
- Draw times: Similar to many popular SA lotteries, there are two draws a week. You can watch the draws on Tuesday and Fridays in the US. They happen at 11pm Eastern Time, by which time it’s already the next day in South Africa. So, when playing this lottery by using lottery sites like theLotter, you can expect results at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
- Prize setup: Another difference between Mega Millions and many South African lotteries like Powerball is how prizes are determined. Most of the 10 Mega Millions categories have set amounts, and only the jackpot’s size is calculated according to the sales for the draw.
This table showcases what you can expect to win if you get all or some of the numbers right.
| Category | General Numbers | Mega Ball | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 1 | Jackpot (based on sales) |
| 2 | 5 | 0 | $1,000,000 (~ZAR 18,000,000) |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | $10,000 (~ZAR 180,000) |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | $500 (~ZAR 9,000) |
| 5 | 3 | 1 | $200 (~ZAR 3,600) |
| 6 | 3 | 0 | $10 (~ZAR 180) |
| 7 | 2 | 1 | $10 (~ZAR 180) |
| 8 | 1 | 1 | $4 (~ZAR 72) |
| 9 | 0 | 1 | $2 (~ZAR 36) |
Important notes:
- The Megaplier feature won’t apply if you win the jackpot. It’s only relevant to the other prize categories.
- If you play Mega Millions while in the US, instead of using online lottery sites, the prize structure will look different in certain states. This is because some state lottery operators use a pari-mutuel system to determine prizes, instead of having set prize amounts.
- The jackpot advertised in the days leading up to the draw is only an estimate of what the main prize will be. Only once the exact sales figures have been determined will the operator confirm the jackpot amount.
- Interestingly, data shows that players buy up to 70% of tickets on the day of the draw. This makes it more difficult for operators to gauge the final jackpot amount. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the main prize is very different to what is advertised. One possibility is that it can even be much higher than what platforms advertise.
- Players who understand how to play Lotto probably know that South African lotteries only offer lump sum payouts. However, with Mega Millions you can decide between lump sum and annuity payments. Your payout choice can affect the final amount you receive.
Once you know what you’ve won, make sure you get your prize money. Here are some guidelines that apply to different methods of playing Mega Millions.
| Method of Play | Claiming a prize |
|---|---|
| Purchased in store from registered outlet | Visit an outlet to claim prizes less than $600. Bigger prizes require you to visit lottery offices. |
| State lottery apps | Get automatic payments of prizes less than $600 and claim in person or by mail if you win more. |
| Play via online lottery site services | As long as your identification and account details are verified, you’ll receive payment to your player account or bank account. |
How to Buy a US Mega Millions Lottery Ticket
Whether you’re a newbie or a skilled player using data such as hot and cold Mega Millions numbers in your strategy, planning is essential. It helps you budget and also ensures you don’t miss out on a potential win. Ticket prices, cut off times and other important facts are therefore essential and our tables make for quick reference guides to use.
| Method of playing US Mega Millions | Mega Millions Cost | Megaplier Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Registered outlet or state lottery app (Apps are only available for certain states) | $2 (~ZAR36) | $1 (~ZAR36) |
| Online lottery sites |
|
|
To make sure you get your ticket on time, know that the cut off is usually 15 minutes before the draw. However, states’ rules differ and it’s also important to remember that the cut off time mentioned in SA time is for the next day.
Use this guide to make sure you buy in time.
| State | SA Time | Cut-off time |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 3:59 am | 6:59 pm |
| Arkansas | 4:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| California | 4:45 am | 7:45 pm |
| Colorado | 3:30 am | 7:30 pm |
| Connecticut | 4 am | 10 pm |
| Delaware | 3:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| District of Columbia | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Florida | 4 am | 10 pm |
| Georgia | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Illinois | 4:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| Indiana | 4:44 am | 10:44 pm |
| Iowa | 3:59 am | 8:59 pm |
| Kansas | 3:59 am | 8:59 pm |
| Kentucky | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Louisiana | 4 am | 9 pm |
| Maine | 3:50 am | 9:50 pm |
| Maryland | 4:30 am | 10:30 pm |
| Massachusetts | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Michigan | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Minnesota | 4 am | 9 pm |
| Mississippi | 4 am | 9 pm |
| Missouri | 3:59 am | 8:59 pm |
| Montana | 4 am | 8 pm |
| Nebraska | 4 am | 9 pm |
| New Hampshire | 3:50 am | 9:50 pm |
| New Jersey | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| New Mexico | 4:45 am | 8:45 pm |
| New York | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| North Carolina | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| North Dakota | 3:58 am | 8:58 pm |
| Ohio | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Oklahoma | 3:59 am | 8:59 pm |
| Oregon | 4 am | 7 pm |
| Pennsylvania | 3:59 am | 9:59 pm |
| Rhode Island | 3:50 am | 9:50 pm |
| South Carolina | 4 am | 10 pm |
| South Dakota | 5 am | 9 pm |
| Tennessee | 4:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| Texas | 4:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| Vermont | 3:50 am | 9:50 pm |
| Virginia | 4:45 am | 10:45 pm |
| Washington | 4:45 am | 7:45 pm |
| West Virginia | 3:45 am | 9:45 pm |
| Wisconsin | 4 am | 9 pm |
| Wyoming | 4 am | 8 pm |
*based on each state’s local time zone
When playing online, lottery sites will usually display very clearly how much time you have left to get your ticket.
Source: theLotter
Based on where you’re playing from and your personal preferences, you can pick a method of playing Mega Millions that suits you best. Thanks to technology you have a range of options:
- Visit official outlets in the US
- Use state lottery apps and websites
- Play online from anywhere in the world using a lottery site
How to Play US Mega Millions Online
Using online lottery sites is a favourite option of many international players, including those in South Africa. You can use the service to obtain ownership of real tickets or you can bet on the outcome of a specific draw. On most platforms the steps involved will resemble the following:
1. Access a site – Compare and pick the best platform based on features such as available methods of payment and security features.
2. Open account – Submit personal details for authentication.
3. Top up your wallet – Put money in your player account wallet to purchase tickets.
4. Pick Mega Millions – Browse the list of lotteries or use shortcuts that are often on the home page, especially for popular lotteries like Eurojackpot and Mega Millions.
Source: Lotto Agent
5. Select number of lines – Some platforms have a minimum number of lines you must play.
6. Pick numbers – For each line, pick 5 main numbers and 1 Mega Ball number. Quick Pick or Easy Pick features as well as a Mega Millions random number generator can simplify this step.
7. Activate Megaplier – If the platform supports the feature (not all of them do), tick the box for this optional game add-on.
Source: Lotto Agent
8. Confirm subscription and other details – Some platforms offer benefits and discounts and allow you to automatically enter the numbers in future draws.
Source: theLotter
9. Pay for ticket – Check all ticket details and confirm the purchase.
10. Wait for the draw – Check the Mega Millions results to see if you’ve won and you can expect payment to your account within days.
For jackpot wins, some vendors expect you to claim your prize in person, in which case you may need to travel to the US.
How to Play USA Mega Millions In-Store
If you’re in the US Virgin Islands, District or Columbia or one of the 45 US states that take part in the Mega Millions game, you can buy tickets at registered outlets. This includes grocery stores, fuel stations and even airport terminals in some areas.
In any of these outlets, you’ll follow these steps:
1. Ask the retailer – Ask for a Quick Pick ticket and the cashier will use the option on the system to generate random numbers for your ticket. Alternatively, ask for a Mega Millions ticket to fill in yourself. The paper ticket has multiple boards, each with number grids.
2. Select numbers – On the first number grid, select 5 numbers between 1 and 70, and on the other – the Mega Ball – select a number between 1 and 25. Repeat this step if you want to enter more than one board with that ticket.
3. Select Megaplier – If you want, indicate that you want to play Megaplier. The option will apply for all boards on that ticket.
4. Review other options – Some states offer additional features, such as ‘Just the Jackpot’. Indicate if you want to play these options for an additional fee.
5. Submit and pay ticket – Hand your completed ticket to the cashier and pay.
6. Take printed ticket – You’ll receive a printout of your numbers as proof of the ticket you paid for.
7. Sign it – Make sure you can prove ownership by writing your name on the ticket and signing it.
8. Check results – Tickets purchased in store require you to claim it in person. Compare your numbers as soon as the Mega Millions results are out.
How to Play US Mega Millions via Lottery Apps & More
In the following states you have the privilege of playing Mega Millions online using the state lottery’s own website or app:
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Virginia
These apps often have additional helpful tools, such as information on special promotions, saving of historical numbers you’ve played and helping you check results.
Using these services is only an option when you’re in the state itself, so you may be blocked if trying to access it from elsewhere. This proves the value of lottery sites like Lotto Agent!
If you do use the service while in a US state, follow these steps to get your ticket digitally.
1. Get the app/visit website – Access the service via your mobile phone or computer.
2. Open an account – You’ll provide information to authenticate your details and link a payment method.
3. Select Mega Millions – Lottery sites host various lotteries, so pick Mega Millions from the menu.
4. Pick the Mega Millions game – Scroll through the list of games to find the lottery you want to play.
5. Select numbers – Click or tap on the 5 main numbers and the 1 Mega Ball number you want for each ticket.
6. Pick Megaplier – Activate the optional game if you want to.
7. Confirm ticket – Place your ticket in your cart or complete the purchase. Purchased tickets will show up in your profile.
8. Wait for draw – Depending on the size of your prize, wait for the payout or make a claim by mail or in person.
How to Know if You Won the Mega Millions Lottery?
It’s always a player’s responsibility to ensure you get your winnings, even if the platform you play on promises automatic payouts. Here are ways to follow up on what you’ve won:
- Review winning numbers on Mega Millions results pages.
- Watch the draw live or check the recorded footage and compare the results with your ticket.
- Receive results and confirmation that you’re a winner from lottery sites or state lottery operators. Most of them have text or email services for this purpose.
- Lottery sites and state lottery apps have number checking features. You may be able to scan your ticket and the app will check results for you and confirm if you’ve won.
What Happens If You Win the US Mega Millions Lottery?
Winning a Mega Millions prize could change your life in ways you don’t realise. Here are some important facts to help you prepare for that possibility:
- Prize size is important: In the US, any prize less than $600 you can claim at retailers, but bigger prizes will require a mail claim or a visit to a lottery office. When using a state lottery app, for $600 or more you’ll need to initiate a claim but small prizes will be paid to your account automatically.
- Prizes for international players: Lottery sites pay out prize money automatically in most cases. However, if you win the Mega Millions jackpot via a lottery site that bought an authentic ticket for you, you may need to travel to the US to claim that jackpot in person. Lottery sites usually assist with travel expenses though.
- Stay anonymous if you wish: Similar to South Africa, you can usually stay anonymous when winning Mega Millions. But state rules do differ, so if you purchased a ticket in certain locations your good news will be made public.
- Comparing lump sums and annuity options: This US lottery offers both lump sum and annuity payouts for jackpots. Each has its own tax implications, so discuss it with a financial advisor before you make a decision.
Final Thoughts
You can see why Mega Millions is popular all over the world – huge prizes, multiple draws each month and an ever-increasing jackpot! And thanks to lottery sites, South Africans have easy access to the fun game.
It’s time to try it out and even use Mega Millions results history to implement a strategy and play like the pros. Don’t miss out on a chance to be the world’s next billionaire!
FAQs
In the US you can buy physical tickets at retail outlets and citizens of certain states can use lottery apps. International players can use lottery sites that will buy Mega Millions tickets on your behalf.
Yes, people can play Mega Millions from almost anywhere in the world, all thanks to lottery sites. These service providers allow you to bet on the Mega Millions results OR will buy an authentic ticket on your behalf. This service is also available for South Africans.
In terms of age, the US has similar rules to what you’ll find when you learn how to play South Africa’s games like Daily Lotto. You must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase a Mega Millions ticket.
You can usually buy tickets up to 15 minutes before a draw, but rules differ between states. International players using lottery sites should consult the vendor’s policies to make sure you get your ticket in time.
A standard Mega Millions ticket costs $2 when purchased from an official retailer, with the Megaplier number requiring an additional $1 payment. Lottery sites charge higher rates for the convenient services they provide.
You have freedom of choice about which numbers you want to use. You’re allowed to pick a set of numbers or use Quick Pick services that are available in store and on most online sites.
For the standard Mega Millions ticket you’ll choose six numbers in total. Five numbers are picked from the number range 1 – 70 and one more number between 1 and 25. To win, all six numbers must match the draw.
The Mega Millions operator does two live draws a week. In the US they fall late at night on Tuesdays and Fridays. Because of South Africa being in a different time zone, it’s already the next morning in SA, so you can get the results early on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at +/- 5am.
Yes, the US does deduct tax from lottery wins before making payouts to ticket holders. Anyone using a lottery site will receive prize money equal to what someone in America will receive after deductions. For prize money paid into your SA bank account from abroad, it’s best to consult a tax lawyer to confirm whether South African tax laws require you to pay additional tax on that money.
Mega Millions once had a jackpot that grew to $1.537 billion (ZAR 27 billion). This took place in October 2018 and for the next 4 years it held the record for biggest jackpot won by a single ticket holder.
No, there’s no jackpot cap mentioned in Mega Millions rules. The jackpot rolls over when it’s not won and unlike some European lotteries like EuroMillions the operator does not put a limit on how big it can grow.
Claim periods vary between US states, so when buying an official Mega Millions ticket, review the guidelines of the state where it’s purchased. Timelines range from 90 days to a full year before tickets expire.
Lottery sites will have rules about claim processes you need to follow, so read policies before you play. Luckily, most of the payments done by lottery sites happen automatically. As long as your information is up to date, you’ll get your money long before tickets expire.
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