Mega Millions nears $500M ahead of Friday draw
The Mega Millions jackpot is approaching the half-billion mark ahead of the Friday, June 26 drawing and is currently estimated at $489 million with a $220.9 million cash option.
The prize has been without a winner for more than three months, making it one of the biggest giveaways of the year. If someone wins the jackpot, they can make a choice lump sum or annuity This is increasing by 5% every year.
There have only been two Mega Millions jackpot winners so far in 2026. The last time someone won the grand prize was more than three months ago, when an Ohio man took home $60 million on St. Patrick’s Day.
With Friday’s Mega Millions drawing just hours away, here’s what you need to know.
Mega Millions lottery tickets at La Esquina Tropical supermarket in Miami, Florida on March 26, 2024.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers on 26.06.2026?
USA TODAY will announce the winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions lottery following the drawing at 11 p.m. ET
More: Which states have the most lottery winners? What you need to know.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 11pm ET.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
-
$1.602 billion in Florida on August 8, 2023
-
$1.537 billion in South Carolina on October 23, 2018
-
$1.348 billion in Maine on January 1, 2023
-
$1.337 billion in Illinois on July 29, 2022
-
$1.269 billion in California on December 27, 2024
-
$1.128 billion in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
-
$1.05 billion in Michigan on January 22, 2021
-
$983 million in Georgia on November 14, 2025
-
$810 million in Texas on September 10, 2024
-
$656 million in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland on March 30, 2012
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a lottery played in 45 states. District of Columbia and US Virgin Islands.
Each ticket costs $5, and players can choose six numbers from two separate number pools – five different numbers from 1 to 70 (white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (gold Mega Ball) – or they can choose Easy Pick/Quick Pick.
You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in one draw. If there is more than one winner of the jackpot, the jackpot prize will be shared.
How to play Mega Millions?
To play Mega Millions, you need to purchase a ticket. You can do this at a variety of places, including your local grocery store, gas station, or even your grocery store. In some states, Mega Millions tickets can be purchased online.
After purchasing your ticket, you need to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls with numbers from 1 to 70. The Golden Mega Ball varies from 1 to 24.
If you’re feeling particularly unlucky or don’t want to go through the hassle of choosing, “Quick Selection” or a “Easy Choice.” These options allow the computer to generate random numbers for you.
Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier that increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times. Previously, players had to pay an extra dollar to add the “Megaplier”.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. He is USA TODAY’s trending news reporter. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Mega Millions approaches $500 million ahead of Friday drawing
