How much is a Mega Millions lottery ticket
A Mega Millions ticket costs $2 for the base game in every participating state and the District of Columbia. Draws occur on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Each play includes two number pools: five white numbers from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1 to 25. You can add the Megaplier for an extra $1, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. Players must be at least 18 years old and follow each state’s ticket purchase rules. Below are the standard price and prize characteristics for reference.
Price and play options at a glance
| Item | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base ticket price | $2 | Official game rules |
| Megaplier add-on | $1 per play | Official game rules |
| Number matrix | 5 of 1–70 + 1 of 1–25 | Official game rules |
| Draw days | Tuesdays and Fridays | Official game rules |
| Draw time (Eastern) | 11:00 PM | Official game rules |
| Minimum age to play | 18 (varies by state) | Official game rules |
Where tickets are sold
Mega Millions tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can buy them at authorized retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Many jurisdictions also offer online ticket sales or subscription services through official lottery apps or websites. Retailers typically sell tickets up to a cutoff time, often between 10:30 and 11:00 PM Eastern on draw days. You can use the official Mega Millions retailer locator to find an authorized seller near you.
Standard prize tiers and odds
Mega Millions offers 9 prize tiers. The jackpot requires matching all five white numbers plus the Mega Ball. Match fewer numbers to win smaller prizes, and the Megaplier can apply to all non-jackboard prizes except the jackpot. Odds vary by prize level, with the overall odds of winning any prize being about 1 in 24. Here is a simplified overview of prize structure and approximate odds based on official historical data. Note that exact prize amounts vary by sales and winners, and jackpots that roll over increase for the next drawing.
| Match | Prize (typical) | Approximate odds | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball (jackpot) | Variable (annuity or cash) | 1 in 302,575,350 | Official game rules |
| 5 | Several hundred thousand to $1 million+ | 1 in 12,607,306 | Official game rules |
| 4 + Mega Ball | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 | Official game rules |
| 4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 | Official game rules |
| 3 + Mega Ball | $200 | 1 in 14,547 | Official game rules |
| 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 | Official game rules |
| 2 + Mega Ball | $10 | 1 in 693 | Superintendent’s reports |
| 1 + Mega Ball | $4 | 1 in 89 | Official game rules |
| 0 + Mega Ball (Megaplier) | $2 free play or $3 with Megaplier | 1 in 37 | Official game rules |
Practical tips before you buy
- Treat tickets as entertainment, not an investment; expected value is typically lower than the ticket price.
- Set a budget and stick to it; it is easy to overspend on lottery products.
- Check your state’s minimum age and identification rules before purchasing.
- If you win a large prize, sign the ticket and follow official claim procedures; timelines vary by state.
- Consider joining a lottery pool only with trusted groups and document contributions and shares in writing.
- For the latest price and rules, visit the official Mega Millions website; avoid unofficial sellers.
How Mega Millions funding works
About 50–60% of ticket sales go toward prizes. Prize tiers below the jackpot share the portion of sales allocated to prizes, after which the jackpot rolls over if no top-prize winner is found. Operating costs, commissions to retailers, and contributions to each state’s designated funds account for most of the remaining revenue. Because prize rules and tax treatments can change, verify current details on the official Mega Millions site before you play.
Rules and verification notes
Mega Millions rules can change if a state joins or leaves the game, so always confirm ticket cost and play options with official sources. Authorized ticket sellers display proper licensing, and tickets purchased from unofficial or resell platforms may be invalid. When in doubt, contact your state lottery customer service or visit the official Mega Millions website for the most accurate, current information.