Mega Millions’ latest draw is shaping up as a big one, with the jackpot estimated at 216 million dollars for Tuesday night and a cash option of 97 million. The prize has been turning heads after a Virginia winner took home a 348 million-dollar Mega Millions jackpot on June 27.
For context, the Powerball drawing on Wednesday is set to offer a 643 million dollar jackpot, with a cash option of 290.6 million.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Mega Millions winning numbers: 10, 19, 24, 49, 68, Mega Ball 10.
What’s changed with Mega Millions since April 8
– Ticket price is now 5 dollars per play and includes a multiplier that can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times.
– The minimum non-jackpot prize for matching five white balls has risen to 2 million dollars, with a maximum of 10 million dollars (multiplier applies to eligible prizes).
– The minimum prize for any non-jackpot tier is 10 dollars.
– After a jackpot is won, the starting jackpot resets to 50 million dollars (instead of 20 million).
– The number of Mega Balls decreased from 25 to 24, increasing overall odds of winning something (jackpot odds move from 1-in-302,575,350 to 1-in-290,472,336).
– Overall chances of winning any prize improved to about 1-in-23 (from 1-in-24).
Current Mega Millions prize payouts (highlights)
– Jackpot: remaining the same (annuity value) but with a cash option lower than the advertised amount.
– Five white balls plus multiplier: 2 million to 10 million dollars.
– Four white balls plus Mega Ball: 20,000 to 100,000 dollars.
– Four white balls: 1,000 to 5,000 dollars.
– Three white balls plus Mega Ball: 400 to 2,000 dollars.
– Three white balls: 20 to 100 dollars.
– Two white balls plus Mega Ball: 20 to 100 dollars.
– One white ball plus Mega Ball: 14 to 70 dollars.
– Mega Ball only: 10 to 50 dollars.
When and how to play
– Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern.
– A single ticket costs 5 dollars and includes a multiplier option that can boost prizes up to 10 times (except the jackpot).
– Players choose five white balls from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24 (the Mega Ball pool was reduced from 25 to 24).
– Quick Pick is available if you’d rather have the numbers chosen for you.
– You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or resident of a specific state to play.
Where Mega Millions is available
– Played in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States not offering Mega Millions include Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
– Tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airports may also sell tickets.
– Online options exist in several states through licensed lottery apps. In particular, apps like Jackpocket offer digital access in multiple states for selecting games, purchasing tickets, and tracking winnings.
Ticket deadlines
– Deadline times vary by state and can be 15 minutes to an hour or more before the drawing. Some third‑party apps push deadlines up to roughly two hours before the drawing. For example, New Jersey’s deadline for the 11 p.m. ET drawing is 9:15 p.m.
Odds and considerations
– Jackpot odds are 1 in 290,472,336.
– As with all lotteries, odds are long, and play should be for entertainment rather than a serious wealth strategy.
A few extra notes
– Cash vs. annuity: The advertised jackpot is typically the annuity total paid over 30 years, while the cash option is a one-time lump sum, significantly smaller than the advertised jackpot.
– Anonymity for winners varies by state law; some states allow winners to remain anonymous, while others do not.
Bottom line
Mega Millions continues to attract players with its sizeable jackpots and updated prize structure. Whether you’re buying a ticket for the thrill or as part of a group pool, remember that lottery odds are long, so play responsibly and within your means.
Summary
Tuesday’s estimated Mega Millions jackpot stands at 216 million dollars with a 97 million cash option, alongside updated rules from April that increased ticket price and prizes while tightening the Mega Balls pool to 24. The next drawing is Tuesday night at 11 p.m. ET, with Powerball offering a 643 million dollar prize the same week.