What is the Mega Ball?
The Mega Millions Mega Ball (bonus ball) which was initially called the Big Money Ball and gold in colour is drawn from the second drum that contains numbers ranging from 1 to 25. The Mega Ball increases the value of the Mega Millions jackpot.
How to win the Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot?
The Mega Millions jackpot is won by matching the five (5) white balls, in any order, plus the Mega Ball number.
The second-level prize of $1 million is won by matching all five white balls, known as a Match 5. You can win seven additional ways by matching fewer numbers - see the Mega Millions lottery Prizes table below.
Mega Millions Record-Breaking Jackpots
The largest Mega Millions jackpot took place in October 2018 when it broke its own record and soared to an unprecedented $1.537 billion and won by a lucky winner from South Carolina. It fell just short of another great American lottery, the US Powerball that still holds the title of the largest lottery jackpot in the world - $1.586 billion jackpot in January 2016.
These two incredible American lotto games have been going head to head for many years. Before Powerball took the title, the Mega Millions $656 million jackpot in March 2012 was the largest lottery prize of all time for four years.
January 2021 saw the Mega Millions once again soared to a jaw-dropping $1 billion for the Friday night draw. A single ticket won the top prize of $1.05 billion.
| Year | Jackpots Won | Biggest Jackpot |
| 2021 |
1 |
$1.05 billion |
| 2020 |
5 |
$410 million |
| 2019 |
7 |
$522 million |
| 2018 |
5 |
$1.537 billion |
| 2017 |
6 |
$393 million |
| 2016 |
8 |
$536 million |
| 2015 |
8 |
$265 million |
| 2014 |
9 |
$414 million |
| 2013 |
11 |
$648 million |
| 2012 |
13 |
$656 million |
| 2011 |
13 |
$380 million |
| 2010 |
13 |
$266 million |
| 2009 |
13 |
$336 million |
| 2008 |
13 |
$275 million |
| 2007 |
12 |
$390 million |
| 2006 |
15 |
$270 million |
| 2005 |
9 |
$315 million |
| 2004 |
11 |
$294 million |
| 2003 |
12 |
$183 million |
| 2002 |
9 |
$165 million |
Secondary Mega Millions prize categories
There are 9 prize categories on the Mega Millions lottery. Players can win Mega Millions has nine different prize tiers, ranging from $2 all the way up to the jackpot, which is always guaranteed to be $40 million or more.
More Information about Mega Millions:
What is the Mega Millions Lottery?
Over the last 20 years, the Mega Millions lottery has been giving lottery players from all over the world the chance to transform their lives in a blink of an eye. Millions of players who decided to buy Mega Millions online have thanked their lucky stars that they took a chance.
Mega Millions launched as a multi-state lottery in August 1996 under the name The Big Game with only six (6) states participating: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia. The first draw took place on 6 September 1996. At the time the game only had Friday night draws.
A Tuesday draw was added in February 1998 and in 1999 Mega Millions players were given a wider choice of lucky numbers to choose from, including a new cash (lump-sum) pay-out option.
In May 2002, the lottery was rebranded as Mega Millions and it has continued to update and improve its game format which has made buying Mega Millions tickets even more exciting than ever before.
Mega Millions has awarded historic and record jackpots, including its $1.537 billion jackpot in October 2018, and a $1.05 billion jackpot in January 2021. Bigger and more exciting jackpots are definitely expected which is why you should play Mega Millions lottery right here at PlayUSALotteries.com!
When to play the Mega Millions Lottery online?
The Mega Millions lottery draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 23:00 (ET).
Mega Millions players can buy Mega Millions lottery tickets online up until an hour before the draw.
Players who decide to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets online can double check the winning Mega Millions lottery numbers either by clicking on the Mega Millions results page on PlayUSALotteries.com or by checking their results mailer which is sent out shortly after the draw.
The results mailer will reflect the Mega Millions winning numbers and any matches they may have.
Can I play the Mega Millions lottery online from overseas?
From the moment the Mega Millions was launched lottery enthusiasts have been itching to win the fabulous jackpots on offer. Thanks to the internet you too can play Mega Millions lottery online. For those wondering whether you can play the Mega Millions lottery online from overseas, the answer is yes.
To play Mega Millions lottery online all you need to do is register on PlayUSALotteries.com and add funds using any of our secure payment methods. When your funds reflect in your account, you’re ready to buy your Mega Millions lottery tickets from the comfort of your home or office.
Please note, to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets and play the Mega Millions lottery online you have to be 18 years old or older.
Mega Millions Jackpot Rollovers
The Mega Millions is one of the most exciting lotto games in the world due to the fact that there is no jackpot cap or rollover limit and will continue to roll over until a player matches all five main numbers and the Mega Ball drawn.
If more than one Mega Millions lotto player scoops the top prize, the Mega Millions jackpot will be shared evenly amongst all the winners.
