The Mega Millions lottery jackpot is making headlines again, with an estimated prize of $303 million following the Friday, January 30, 2026 drawing. Players have the option to take home a cash prize of $136.7 million instead. This current jackpot follows a December 2 win in New Jersey, where a lucky player took home a $90 million prize.
As excitement builds around this lottery drawing, the Powerball also remains in the spotlight, offering a jackpot of $57 million and a cash option of $25.8 million.
The winning numbers for the January 30 drawing are as follows: 11, 34, 36, 43, 63, and the Megaball is 13. Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m., providing players with regular opportunities to try their luck.
Participation in the Mega Millions game requires a purchase of a ticket at $5, which now includes a multiplier feature that can potentially increase winnings up to ten times—except for the jackpot. Players select five numbers from a pool of 1 to 70, along with one number for the Mega Ball from a smaller pool of 1 to 24. Quick Picks are available for those who prefer a random selection.
In terms of winning, players can earn at least $10 for matching just the Mega Ball, while matching all five white balls can yield a minimum prize of $2 million, except in California. The game is widely accessible, with availability in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, the states of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not participate in the Mega Millions.
Tickets are sold at a variety of locations, including gas stations and grocery stores, and can also be purchased online through the Jackpocket app, which allows users to manage their lottery activities directly from their devices.
As excitement builds, potential players should keep in mind that the odds of winning the jackpot stand at a considerable 290,472,336-to-1. Moreover, while the allure of the prize is tempting, it’s essential to play responsibly and remain aware of the potential for gambling issues.
With major jackpots on the line, including both Mega Millions and Powerball, the upcoming draws promise to capture the interest and hopes of millions.