Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $451 Million for September 23, 2025

The Mega Millions jackpot has quickly shot up to an estimated $451 million for the Tuesday, September 23, 2025 drawing. Players in the U.S will have a chance at winning one of the largest lotteries in recent history.  The jackpot can be claimed either in a cash lump sum, which is estimated to be about $208.7 million, or through an annuity that pays out the full prize in 30 installments over many years.

Winning the Mega Millions jackpot is still very difficult to do with odds of about one in 290 million, but millions are hoping to beat the odds and win their millions overnight. 

Winning Numbers for September 19, 2025

In the most recent drawing, Friday, September 19, 2025, the winning numbers were: 

• White Balls: 2, 22, 27, 42, 58
• Mega Ball: 8

No ticket matched all six numbers in order to win; therefore, the jackpot rolled over to the estimated $451 million jackpot. Players are waiting eagerly for the next drawing to see if someone will win the jackpot prize.

How to Play Mega Millions

Playing Mega Millions is very easy: 

• Select five numbers from 1 through 70. 
• Select one Mega Ball number from 1 through 25.
• Tickets will cost the player $2. Tickets can be purchased through retail outlets authorized in states where Mega Millions is played. 
• Players may also wish to choose a Quick Pick option, which uses the computer to randomly pick out numbers.

 Mega Millions Jackpot Payout Options

If you win the Mega Millions jackpot, you have two different ways to collect what you have won:

• Annuity Option – This is the full jackpot amount. It is paid out over 30 years, in an amount that increases each year by 5%.
• Lump-Sum Cash Option – If a winner would like to take their payment before taxes, the cash option currently equals $208.7 million.

 We highly recommend that winners consult with a financial advisor before actually cashing their prize, as taxes, both federal and state, can eat into the total. Also, financial planning may help the winners keep and even grow their money.

What You Can Win in Mega Millions

Even if a player does not hit the jackpot, there are additional prize tiers available for a player to be a prize winner!

If you don't win the jackpot, Mega Millions has several different prize tiers:

• Match 5 + Mega Ball – Jackpot
• Match 5 – $1 million 
• Match 4 + Mega Ball – $10,000
• Match 4 – $500
• Match 3 + Mega Ball – $200
• Match 3 – $10
• Match 2 + Mega Ball – $10
• Match 1 + Mega Ball – $4
• Match Mega Ball only – $2

This helps give players an opportunity to win smaller prizes without solely relying on hitting the jackpot!

Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets 

Tickets for Mega Millions can be purchased through several official channels across the United States:

• Lottery Agents – Tickets can be purchased from over 45 retailers authorized by state lotteries, including gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
• Official State Lottery Websites – A number of states (including Michigan, New York, and Georgia) allow users to purchase Mega Millions tickets securely online through their official state lottery website.
• Lottery Apps – Some states have an official app allowing players to purchase Mega Millions tickets electronically.
• Courier Services – In some states, licensed courier services (i.e. Jackpocket) can provide you with your physically purchased Mega Millions ticket by purchasing via their app.

Tickets can be purchased in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, you cannot purchase tickets in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, or Utah.

Where to Watch the Mega Millions Drawing

The Mega Millions draw occurs every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET in Atlanta, Georgia. Players can watch the results in a number of ways: 

• Local TV Stations - Many states will show the draw live on their local lottery partner stations.
• Official Mega Millions Website - The Mega Millions website will instantly have the results of the draw after it occurs.
• Lottery Apps and Retailers - Most state lottery apps and retailers will have the results posted within minutes after the draw.
• YouTube and Live Streams - Some states will also play back live the draw on their official Youtube channel.

No matter where you are in the U.S., you are able to check the winning numbers just minutes after the Mega Millions draw has concluded. 

Why Mega Millions Is So Popular

The Mega Millions lottery is one of the most famous games in the U.S. because of its record jackpots, low cost of entry, and life-changing prizes. Now that the jackpot is currently $451 million, excitement is ramping up as players all over the country prepare for the next big draw on the date of September 23, 2025.