Mega Millions: Official Guide, Rules, Odds & How to Play
America's second mega-lottery — jackpots start at $20M, drawn Tuesday & Friday
Draws Tue & Fri at 11:00 PM ET (Wed/Sat AEST) — results via Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and SmartLotto
Mega Millions is operated by Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and uses a format of 5 from 70 main numbers plus a Mega Ball. First drawn in 1996, it offers 9 prize divisions with jackpot odds of 1 in 302.6M.
Choose Your Main Numbers
Select 5 numbers from 70. Use your favourite numbers, a Quick Pick for random selection, or SmartLotto's Cherry Pick Engine for a statistically informed choice.
Select Your Mega Ball
Pick your Mega Ball (1 from 25). This is drawn from a separate pool and determines the highest prize divisions.
Choose Number of Lines
Play one or multiple lines per ticket. More lines mean more chances — each additional line is one more set of numbers for the same draw.
Purchase Your Ticket
Available from authorised retailers, official lottery websites, or via authorised lottery concierge services for international players including Australians.
Watch the Draw — Tue & Fri
Draws take place at 11:00 PM ET (Wed/Sat AEST). Results are published immediately online and via SmartLotto's results checker.
Claim Your Prize
Small prizes can be claimed at retailers. Larger prizes via the official lottery claims process. International players claim through their authorised concierge service.
The Mega Ball is drawn from a separate pool of 25 balls. Matching all 5 main numbers plus the Mega Ball wins the jackpot. There are 9 different ways to win a prize using the Mega Ball.
Mega Millions has 9 prize divisions. Match more numbers to win higher prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 24.
| Division | Match | Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Div 1 | Match 5 + Mega Ball | Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Div 2 | Match 5 | $1,000,000 | 1 in 12,607,306 |
| Div 3 | Match 4 + MB | $10,000 | 1 in 931,001 |
| Div 4 | Match 4 | $500 | 1 in 38,792 |
| Div 5 | Match 3 + MB | $200 | 1 in 14,547 |
| Div 6 | Match 3 | $10 | 1 in 606 |
| Div 7 | Match 2 + MB | $10 | 1 in 693 |
| Div 8 | Match 1 + MB | $4 | 1 in 89 |
| Div 9 | Mega Ball only | $2 | 1 in 37 |
📊 Jackpot Scale
- Minimum starting jackpot: $20M
- Typical jackpot: ~$100M+
- All-time record: $1.602B (Aug 2023)
- Operated by: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Computer randomly selects your 5 main numbers and Mega Ball.
Choose your own numbers. Use SmartLotto's frequency tools.
Add $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x-5x.
Purchase tickets for up to 26 consecutive draws.
Ready to play Mega Millions from Australia?
Join SmartLotto to access Mega Millions predictions, track every Tuesday & Friday draw, and analyse full draw history!
View Latest ResultsMega Millions is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association. Australian participation is via authorised concierge operators. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858