What is Mega Millions?
The Mega Millions lottery is a multi-jurisdictional lottery that was begun in 2002. It is currently offered in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The first drawing was held in Illinois on August 31, 2002; the game became available nationally on March 19, 2003.
The game initially used six-number plus one number (6+1) from 1 through 56 (the numbers 1 through 46 were then drawn from the second set). On January 31, 2005, these numbers were removed as part of a format change; since then 6 numbers from 1 through 46 are drawn from two sets of balls numbered 1 through 45 and 46 through 55.
In addition to the jackpot prize, there are eight additional ways to win $1 million: five of them involve matching 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball (5+0) and the other three being 5 of 5 (5+1), 5 of 5 with the Mega Ball (5+1+0), or 5 numbers with the “Megaplier” option activated (5+1×).
In a little over a decade, this game of chance has become a $6 billion industry and grown to be one of the most popular lottery games in the country.
And yet…
Despite this monumental success, there is still so much more for Mega Millions to accomplish as it continues to change America.
How to Play Mega Millions?
The ticket of mega millions costs $2 per play.
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game. Players start picking numbers from two booths – five numbers from 1 to 70 and one number (called the Mega Ball) from 1 to 25. You have to match all the six winning numbers in a drawing in order to win. The jackpot starts at $40 million and increases if there is no winner.
In the Mega Millions Lottery, there are a total of nine ways to win a prize. These range from the jackpot down to $2.
Related: Check International Lotteries Results
After Win Cash Prize Options
Annuity Option: The Mega Millions annuity is paid out in a unique way. The first payment is immediate, but after that, there are 29 annual payments. Each payment is 5% higher than the last one. In this manner it helps protect winners’ lifestyle and purchasing power during times of inflation.
Cash Option: A one-time payment for all the cash in the mega millions jackpot prize pool.
Just the Jackpot
The Jackpot Just the Jackpot is a new wager type that allows players to bet specifically for the jackpot only. The price of $3 will allow players to purchase two plays for the jackpot only. The Jackpot Just the Jackpot does not include any other prize levels and is not eligible for any other prizes.
Megaplier
The Mega Millions lotto has a well-known feature that increases non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. The Megaplier, an additional dollar amount that can be added onto non-jackpot prizes, is drawn before each drawing. From a pool consisting of 15 balls, five are marked with 2X, six with 3X, three with 4X and one with 5X. This mix results in the following odds for each of the Megaplier numbers and their associated prize values.
For more information on Mega Million and all of its aspects, visit the official website.
