The odds of winning the Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot are approximately 1-in-292 million. As of now, the Mega Millions jackpot has increased to $301 million after no one won in the recent drawing. A ticket holder in Arizona won $113 million in January 2024, the fewest jackpots in a year since 2002, with only four winning tickets so far. To play, buy a ticket at various locations or online via the Jackpocket app, and choose six numbers from a specified range. Additionally, players can opt for the “Megaplier” to increase non-jackpot prizes.
Winning the Powerball and Mega Millions is a long shot
The odds of hitting the mega jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are about 1 in 292 million. Here are probabilities that are more favorable compared to winning a huge prize.
The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to $277 million for Friday’s drawing as no winner emerged from Tuesday night’s drawing.
If someone hits all six numbers correctly, they can opt for a one-time cash option of $128.4 million. The drawing will take place just after 11 p.m. ET on Friday, and results will be available below.
The last significant Mega Millions winner was a fortunate ticket holder in Arizona, who won a $113 million jackpot on Jan. 18.
As reported by the lottery, only four tickets matched all six Mega Millions numbers in 2024 – marking the lowest number of jackpots captured in a single calendar year since the game’s inception in 2002.
Mega Millions Winning Numbers for 3/14/25
The winning numbers for the drawing on Friday, March 14, are 3, 17, 39, 42, 70
The Megaball: 1
Megaplier: 3X
Winning lottery numbers are presented by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Did Anyone Win the Mega Millions?
No one claimed the jackpot in Friday’s draw; however, six players matched four numbers to each win $10,000. Consequently, the jackpot has increased to $301 million for Tuesday’s drawing.
For the list of previous winners, visit the Mega Millions website.
How to Participate in the Mega Millions
To take part in the Mega Millions, you must purchase a ticket. This can be done at various locations, including convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In certain states, Mega Millions tickets can be bought online.
Once you have your ticket, you need to select six numbers. Five of these will be white balls numbered between 1 and 70, while the gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 25.
If you feel particularly unlucky, or prefer not to choose your numbers, you can request a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick.” These choices allow the computer to randomly generate numbers for you.
For an added dollar, participants can include the “Megaplier,” enhancing non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the six Mega Millions numbers are revealed.
There are 15 Megaplier balls total:
- 2X, five balls
- 3X, six balls
- 4X, three balls
- 5X, one ball
Where Can You Purchase Lottery Tickets?
Tickets can be bought in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also offer lottery tickets for sale.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, available in the following U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to select your lottery game, choose your numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and collect your winnings all through your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket serves as the official digital lottery courier for the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may receive revenue from referrals to Jackpocket’s services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not associated with any State Lottery. Problem with gambling? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). For complete terms, visit jackpocket.com/tos.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.