The Mega Millions lottery is gaining significant attention as the jackpot climbs to an estimated $302 million, with a cash option of $136 million for the upcoming drawing on Friday night. This follows a recent win from April 18, when a lucky player from Ohio took home a $112 million jackpot.
Players looking to test their luck should note that the Mega Millions numbers for June 20, 2025, were 26, 49, 58, 61, 63, and the Megaball was 9.
The game has seen some recent changes aimed at increasing player engagement and prize potential. Since April 8, the price for a ticket rose from $2 to $5, and now includes a multiplier option that boosts winnings by up to 10 times (for non-jackpot prizes). Additionally, the prize for matching five white balls has increased to a minimum of $2 million.
The odds of winning have improved as well, changing from 1-in-302,575,350 to about 1-in-290,472,336 due to a reduction in the number of Mega Balls, enhancing the likelihood of a successful win. Moreover, the minor prizes have been revised, with payouts increasing significantly for lower-tier matches.
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The game is available in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, excluding Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Players can purchase tickets across a variety of retailers and even online in several states through the official digital lottery courier, Jackpocket.
This latest escalation in the Mega Millions jackpot exemplifies the excitement and chance that lottery games bring to millions of hopeful players nationwide. While the odds may still present a challenge, the prospect of winning continues to instill hope in many.