The Mega Millions jackpot is on the rise again — and it’s turning heads. For the Tuesday, February 24, 2026 drawing, the prize has climbed to an eye-popping $438 million, with a cash option of $203.1 million. Not too shabby for a $5 ticket.
💰 If You Win, Here’s the Deal
Whoever hits the jackpot gets two payout choices:
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One big lump-sum cash payment
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Or an annuity plan — an upfront payment followed by yearly checks that grow by 5% each year
Either way, it’s a life-changing moment.
🎟 How Mega Millions Works
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Here’s how you play:
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Pick five numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls)
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Pick one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Ball)
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Or choose Easy Pick/Quick Pick and let the machine decide
Match all six numbers, and the jackpot is yours. If more than one person wins, the prize gets split.
🗓 Drawing Details
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Next drawing: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11 p.m. ET
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Following drawing: Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11 p.m. ET
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Winning numbers will be posted after the draw.
🌎 Where Have the Big Wins Happened?
Believe it or not, only 28 out of the 45 participating states have ever had a jackpot winner.
The top five states with the most winners:
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New York
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California
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New Jersey
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Ohio
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Michigan
And the biggest win ever? A massive $1.602 billion jackpot in Florida on August 8, 2023.
🔥 Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots of All Time
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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)
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