Tuesday night Mega Millions is offering an estimated jackpot of 302 million dollars, with a cash option of 136 million. The Powerball drawing the next night is set to reach 1.3 billion dollars, with a cash option of 589 million.
Winning numbers for the Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 Mega Millions drawing were: 7, 17, 35, 40, 64, Mega Ball 23.
Last Mega Millions jackpot win: a Virginia player claimed the prize on June 27, 2025, for 348 million dollars.
What’s changed since April 8?
– Ticket price rose from 2 dollars to 5 dollars per play, and every ticket now includes a multiplier option (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x) for an added dollar.
– The five white-ball prize now pays a minimum of 2 million dollars and can go up to 10 million dollars when multiplied.
– Prize payouts were updated:
– Five white balls plus Mega Ball: 2 million to 10 million dollars (up from 1 million).
– Four white balls plus Mega Ball: 20,000 to 100,000 dollars (up from 10,000).
– Four white balls: 1,000 to 5,000 dollars (up from 500).
– Three white balls plus Mega Ball: 400 to 2,000 dollars (up from 200).
– Three white balls: 20 to 100 dollars (up from 10).
– Two white balls plus Mega Ball: 20 to 100 dollars (up from 10).
– One white ball plus Mega Ball: 14 to 70 dollars (up from 4).
– Mega Ball only: 10 to 50 dollars (up from 2).
– If a jackpot is won, the next starting jackpot resets to 50 million dollars (instead of 20 million).
– The number of Mega Balls changed from 25 to 24, improving overall odds (jackpot odds moved from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336).
– The overall odds of winning any prize improved from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23.
New Mega Millions prize payouts in brief
– Jackpot: unchanged in headline amount, but now aligned with the new structure when paid as cash or annuity.
– Five white balls: 2,000,000 to 10,000,000 dollars.
– Four white balls + Mega Ball: 20,000 to 100,000 dollars.
– Four white balls: 1,000 to 5,000 dollars.
– Three white balls + Mega Ball: 400 to 2,000 dollars.
– Three white balls: 20 to 100 dollars.
– Two white balls + Mega Ball: 20 to 100 dollars.
– One white ball + Mega Ball: 14 to 70 dollars.
– Mega Ball only: 10 to 50 dollars.
When is the next drawing?
– Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
How to play
– Cost is now 5 dollars per ticket and includes a multiplier option that can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times.
– You pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24 (down from 25).
– Quick Pick is available if you’d rather have the numbers chosen randomly.
– You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or a resident of a specific state to play.
How many balls do you need to match?
– The minimum to win a prize is matching only the Mega Ball for 10 dollars and up to 70 if you include multipliers. The top non-jackpot prize varies with the number of matches, with five white balls (no Mega Ball) yielding smaller guaranteed prizes than before, while the presence of a multiplier can push some prizes higher.
Where is Mega Millions available?
– Playable in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
– States not offering Mega Millions: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
Where to buy tickets
– In-person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores.
– Some airport terminals may sell tickets.
– Online options exist in certain states via apps like Jackpocket, which acts as a licensed digital lottery courier in listed states, letting you select games, place orders, and view tickets from your phone or computer.
Deadline for buying tickets
– State deadlines vary and can range from about 15 minutes to over an hour before draw time; some third-party apps have deadlines closer to two hours prior. Check your local state deadline (Jackpocket in New Jersey, for example, has a 9:15 p.m. cutoff for the 11 p.m. drawing).
Odds of winning
– Jackpot odds: 1 in 290,472,336.
– Overall odds of winning any prize: about 1 in 23.
Cash option vs. annuity
– The cash option is a lump-sum payment and is typically smaller than the advertised jackpot amount, which is quoted as the annuity value paid out over 30 years.
Anonymity
– Rules vary by state. Some states allow winners to remain anonymous, while others publicly disclose names and hometowns. Check with your state lottery for specifics.
A few practical notes
– The Mega Millions game changes implemented in April 2025 have made prizes more accessible at the lower tiers and improved the overall odds of winning any prize, while the jackpot odds are naturally long.
– If you win big, remember that taxes apply to both cash and annuity payments, and consider consulting a financial advisor for long-term planning.
– If you or someone you know is dealing with a gambling problem, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER or www.800gambler.org.
Bottom line
A fresh round of excitement is underway as Mega Millions eyes a 302 million dollar jackpot, with a legitimate path to life-changing winnings for lucky players who match the drawn numbers. As always, play responsibly and know the local rules of your state before buying a ticket.
Summary
– Mega Millions current jackpot: 302 million; cash option 136 million.
– Last Mega Millions winner: Virginia, June 27, 2025, 348 million.
– Powerball: 1.3 billion for the next drawing.
– 9/2/25 Mega Millions numbers: 7, 17, 35, 40, 64, Mega Ball 23.
– Key changes since April 8: higher ticket price, multipliers, revised prizes, 50 million starting jackpot after a win, Mega Ball count reduced to 24, better overall odds.
– Draws: Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET; available in 45 states, DC, and US Virgin Islands.
– How to play and where to buy: in-person or online in eligible states; deadlines vary by state.
– Odds and cash option explained; anonymity varies by state.
– Resources for responsible play included.