The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an estimated $547 million (annuity) for drawing tonight, October 7, 2025, and it has generated interest from players all across the United States.If there is no ticket with all six winning numbers tonight, the jackpot will roll over, and there will be an even higher jackpot for the next draw. Players can also take the cash option, which is approximately $251.7 million.
How the Mega Millions Jackpot Got So Big
The jackpot has grown because there was no ticket that won the previous draw on October 3. The numbers drawn that night were 18, 19, 38, 54, 57, and the Mega Ball was 19. Even though no one won the jackpot, there were still thousands of tickets that won lower prizes, and collectively those lower prize tickets total millions of dollars in payouts. Because no one won the top prize, the jackpot increased to now be at an incredible $547 million.
When and How to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Tickets for tonight's draw need to be purchased before 11pm ET. Players can buy tickets at authorized retailers in the participating states or online if available.
- Cost of tickets: $5 per play (includes multiplier for non-jackpot prizes)
- Time of draw: 11pm ET
- Cash vs annuity: Winner has the option to choose either $251.7 million cash option lump sum or 30 payments over a period of time
Be wise and get your tickets early because when the jackpot is this large, there tend to be a lot of people buying tickets in a short time span.
How to Play Mega Millions
- Purchase a ticket: $5 per play at an authorized retailer or online (where permitted).
- Choose numbers: Choose 5 numbers from 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball from 1-25, or use Quick Pick to select for you.
- Megaplier (optional): For an extra $1, you can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x.
- Draw schedule: The Mega Millions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
- Check results: Check to see if your numbers match.
- Claiming your prize: Follow your state's rules. Smaller prizes can be claimed at retailers; for larger prizes, go to a lottery office.
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.
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When Mega Millions Draws Take Place
Mega Millions drawing takes place twice weekly; Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players should purchase their tickets ahead of the cut-off time on the day of the draw. Twice-weekly drawings give everyone the same chance to win, and is also when the jackpot grows if no one wins addressing all six numbers. Knowing the draw schedule allows for players to determine when to purchase their tickets and whether or not to follow results that evening.
Why Mega Millions Is So Popular
People across the U.S. adore playing Mega Millions, and it is easy to see why. Large jackpots, such as today’s estimated jackpot of $547 million, give players hope and possibility for overnight change. Mega Millions is easy to play, meaning anyone can play quickly and easily. And, with the optional Megaplier, players can multiply winnings of smaller prizes. Players can even look forward to twice per week upon the Mega Millions draw. After all of these years, Mega Millions has built a trustworthy and fun reputation that draws players back each week.
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