The Mega Millions jackpot keeps climbing, and it’s turning heads as the Tuesday, January 27 drawing rolled around. The prize hit a massive $285 million, with a cash option worth about $128.6 million. Not bad for a $5 ticket.
If someone hits the jackpot, they get to choose how they’re paid:
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One big lump sum paid right away, or
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Annual payments that start immediately and grow by 5% each year
Just last week, luck struck in another big way. The first jackpot win of the year came from the Powerball, estimated at $209 million. The winning ticket was sold in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and the winner chose the cash option. After taxes, they walked away with about $68.6 million. That’s life-changing money.
Mega Millions Results for January 27, 2026
Here are the winning numbers from Tuesday night’s draw:
4 – 20 – 38 – 56 – 66
Mega Ball: 5
Despite the buzz, no one matched all six numbers, and there were also no Match 5 winners this time around. That means the jackpot keeps rolling.
When’s the Next Drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, January 30, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. With no jackpot winner, the prize is expected to grow even more.
Biggest Mega Millions Jackpots Ever
Here’s a quick look at some of the largest Mega Millions jackpots in history:
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$1.602 billion – August 8, 2023 (Florida)
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$1.537 billion – October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
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$1.348 billion – January 1, 2023 (Maine)
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$1.337 billion – July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
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$1.269 billion – December 27, 2024 (California)
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$1.128 billion – March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
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$1.05 billion – January 22, 2021 (Michigan)
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$983 million – November 14, 2025 (Georgia)
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$810 million – September 10, 2024 (Texas)
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$656 million – March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)
What Is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Each ticket costs $5. Players choose:
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Five white balls (numbers 1–70)
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One gold Mega Ball (numbers 1–24)
Match all six numbers, and you win the jackpot. If more than one person wins, the prize is split.
How to Play
Buying a ticket is easy. You can grab one at:
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Gas stations
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Convenience stores
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Grocery stores
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Some airport terminals
In certain states, tickets are also available online.
After buying your ticket, you can:
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Pick your own numbers, or
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Use Quick Pick/Easy Pick, which randomly selects numbers for you
A nice bonus: Mega Millions now includes a built-in multiplier. Non-jackpot prizes can be boosted 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x, with no extra cost.
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