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Simran Vohra

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  • Published: Oct 25 2025 01:13 PM
  • Last Updated: Oct 25 2025 02:58 PM

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $714 million for the October 28, 2025 draw, giving players a chance at one of the largest lottery prizes



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The Mega Millions jackpot is an estimated $714 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The jackpot represents one of the largest amounts in the game's history, and players in the United States are excited to purchase tickets for the next drawing. The last drawing on October 24, 2025, did not have a jackpot winner, which allowed the prize to rollover to a larger amount.

Mega Millions Prize Options

If the player is a jackpot winner in Mega Millions, they will have two prize options to choose from:

  • Annuity Option - The winner would be paid in 30 payments, each payment occurs annually, and increases by 5% each year over the 30-year period. This would be the option for the player to receive the full advertised jackpot amount of $714 million.
  • Cash Option - The player can take this prize option as one lump sum, which is currently estimated at $334.1 million. This is lower than the total jackpot, so it will be paid immediately and the winner can choose to do whatever he/she wants with that money.

Ultimately picking between the prize options truly depends on the winner's financial goals, investment goals, and personal preferences. Many winners will talk to a financial advisor before deciding which of these options works best for them.

Mega Millions Prize Breakdown 

The Mega Millions jackpot is only one aspect of an extensive prize pool. Players can win different amounts based on the number of numbers that are matched. Below is a brief outline of the prizes: 

  • Match 5 + Mega Ball = Jackpot 
  • Match 5 = $1 million (or $2 million with a 2X multiplier) 
  • 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 = $7 
  • Match Mega Ball = $4

Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets

You can find Mega Millions tickets at retailers approved to sell tickets in the participating states. Some states also offer an opportunity to buy tickets online (through individual state channels). Ticket buyers should always purchase tickets prior to the cut-off time (which is typically a few hours before the draw). After purchasing tickets it would serve players to secure their tickets and check the results in their state channel as soon as feasible in order to claim any won prizes.

Mega Millions Old Jackpots

Here are some of the past Mega Millions jackpots from previous draws, showing how the prizes have changed over time. These past results give an idea of the draw history and winning patterns.

Why the Mega Millions Jackpot Is So Popular

The Mega Millions jackpot remains popular for a number of reasons, a few of which are the following: 

  • Massive Prizes: The jackpot easily reaches over hundreds of millions which draws a lot of attention. 
  • Easy to Play: Anyone can play as it only requires players to pick six numbers. 
  • Multiple Ways to Win: Even if a player does not win the jackpot, there are still ways to win smaller prizes. 
  • National Attention: Media coverage and online updates allow the game to always achievable and visible. 

This combination tend to keep players engaged and returning again and again for the chance to win the next Mega Millions jackpot.

ALSO READ: Mega Millions Drawing Winning Numbers – 24 October 2025

Mega Millions Draw Schedule

The Mega Millions jackpot is drawn twice weekly giving players even more chances to win! Drawing times for Mega Millions occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Tickets must be purchased before the cut-off time (which is governed by a cut-off time by each state - usually a few hours before the draw) Time zones may also affect how to plan buying tickets and drawing times.

After the draws, players have a few options to check for winning numbers, including an online search, use of their state lottery app, or check physically to their local authorized retailer. Knowing when the draws take place will also eliminate any question that a player would miss their opportunity to play for a prize, or claim a prize they may have already won.

FAQ

The Mega Millions jackpot for the October 28, 2025 drawing is worth $714 million, with a cash option of roughly $334.1 million.

The winning numbers for the October 24, 2025 drawing were 11, 18, 31, 51, 56, and Mega Ball 24.

Select five white balls from a pool of 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from a pool of 1 to 25. Each ticket is $5, and players may choose either the annuity or cash option.

Your odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.

Yes! The game features multiple prize levels, and players may win anything from $4 to $1 million. Any prizes can also be multiplied through a multiplier feature, which will be explained below.

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