Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $497M for September 30, 2025 Draw

The Mega Millions jackpot has now reached an incredible $497 million in the next draw, which is set on Friday, September 30, 2025. Players will also have a cash option available at around $229.5 million. This is all a result of the jackpot being "rolled over" five times, and the excitement continues to build as no one has won in the last few drawings and people begin buying more tickets for their chance to win.

Mega Millions Cash Options

When a winner does win the Mega Millions jackpot, they can choose how to be paid:

• Annuity Option: Paid out annually over 30 years, increasing approximately 5% a year.
• Cash Option: A one-time, lump-sum payment (roughly $229.5 million) after federal and state withholdings.

When deciding between the annuity and the cash option, consider your financial goals for the money. For some winners, the cash option provides access to their money immediately; whereas some may choose the annuity so that they can receive constant income over the 30 year's worth of payments.

How the Mega Millions Jackpot Reached $497 Million

The increase was from several rollovers, It happened when someone picked the numbers on Wednesday, September 26, 2025, which were 4, 21, 27, 33, 49, Mega Ball 21. But no one matched all six numbers, which is how the amount increased to $497 Million. Rollovers like this can only create excitement for players, who will be anxious to play again for a chance at winning the massive jackpot.

Strategies to Play Mega Millions

Winning the jackpot tends to be a matter of luck. Nonetheless, people can sometimes make playing more worthwhile or orderly in the following ways:

• Play more frequently: The more often you purchase tickets, the more chances you have to win over the long run.
• Vary Your Numbers: Choose a mix of high and low numbers.
• Play In A Group: A  lottery pool with coworkers or friends can increase odds of winning without a financial obligation of paying more.
• Use Uncommon Numbers: Using numbers that few people use can help you avoid sharing the prize if you win.
• Establish a Limit: Be deliberate about how much you are willing to spend on each drawing, and stick to your limit to continue enjoying the game.

Prizes are not guaranteed, but following these suggestions may organize your play and have more fun with Mega Millions.

Where to Purchase Mega Millions Tickets

You can purchase tickets:

• At approved lottery retailers
• Online via your state's official lottery site (if it has one)
• In certain states, from some mobile lottery applications

Purchasing tickets early also gives you the best chance at a "full strip", to minimize the chances of losing out on a ticket! 

How to Check Winning Mega Millions Numbers

Check the numbers after the draw:

• On the official Mega Millions website
• At the retailer where you purchased the ticket
• In the Mega Millions app or via other news sources

Be sure to double-check and make sure you correctly claim your winning ticket. 

When Mega Millions Drawings Happen

Mega Millions drawings occur twice weekly - every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Tickets must be purchased before 10:45 PM ET on the day of the drawing in order to be eligible. You can watch and live stream the drawings at the Mega Millions website, lottery apps or see the results of the drawing at an authorized retailer.