Mega Millions: How and where to buy a lottery ticket
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As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow, so does the interest in taking chances at a lottery now worth over $1 billion.
Sitting at an estimated $1.05 billion ahead of Tuesday night's drawing, the Mega Millions is tied for the fourth-largest jackpot in the lottery's history, according to officials. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.537 billion, and was won by a single ticket in South Carolina in 2018.
While there are regular Mega Millions players, a giant jackpot seems to have new players flocking to retailers to buy tickets – and they may not know what to say or how to play. We're here to help.
Here’s everything to know before stopping by your local store to buy a ticket.
How do you ask the cashier for a Mega Millions ticket?
Buying a Mega Millions ticket can be a simple process if you know what you're doing.
To buy a ticket in-person, you can either ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick," where a computer will generate numbers randomly, or you can pick the numbers yourself. The cashier will also ask about the "Megaplier." For an extra dollar, you may choose to add the "Megaplier," which multiplies all non-grand prize winnings by a factor of 2, 3, 4 or 5.
For "Quick Pick," say this: "I'd like a quick pick Mega Millions ticket." Then tell the cashier whether you want the multiplier or "Megaplier."
To pick your own numbers, say this: "I'd like a Mega Millions ticket and I will pick my numbers."
With this option, you will fill out a playslip with your selections. Slips may also be up for grabs on the store floor, so you could fill it out before approaching the cashier. You will need to pick six Mega Millions numbers total: Five numbers between 1-70 (the white balls) and the gold Mega Ball number, which is one number between 1-25. Hand your slip to the cashier and you will receive a printout of those numbers. Again, you can choose to add the "Megaplier" or not.
There are nine total ways to win a prize, from $2 (matching just the gold ball) to the jackpot (matching all numbers).
Some states have a special offer available called "Just the Jackpot." For $3, players receive two plays and can try for the jackpot only. Just the Jackpot tickets are not eligible for other prize levels, according to Mega Millions officials.
How much are Mega Millions tickets?
Tickets to Mega Millions cost $2 per play.
Most states offer the "Megaplier" feature. For an additional $1 per play, it can increase non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. Before each regular Mega Millions drawing, the Megaplier is drawn. From a pool of 15 balls, five are marked with "2X," three with "4X" and one with "5X."
There are 23 states where it's allowed to buy lottery tickets with a credit card, according to NerdWallet. The other 22 states that offer the lottery can vary in what they accept for payment, from only cash to debit cards, gift cards and more. If you're unsure, check the rules for your specific state or territory.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Mega Millions tickets are available in 45 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Only Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah do not sell Mega Millions tickets.
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
Some states offer the option to purchase Mega Millions tickets online: Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Residents in the District of Columbia can also buy Mega Millions tickets online. You must be physically in the corresponding state to buy a ticket online.
How late can you buy Mega Millions tickets tonight?
Mega Millions drawings are every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Tickets are available up to 15 minutes before the drawing takes place.
How do you find out if you won?
If you win the Mega Millions jackpot, there are two ways you can collect your earnings: a cash option or an annuity option.
The cash option is a lump sum, one-time payment equal to the cash in the Mega Millions prize pool.
The annuity option is one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments. Each subsequent payment grows by 5%.
