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| Prize Level |
Winning
Numbers Matched Per Game |
Chances
of Winning per Game |
Prize |
| First | 5 numbers + Mega Ball | 1: 175,711,536 | JACKPOT* |
| Second | 5 numbers only | 1: 3,904,701 | $250,000* |
| Third | 4 numbers + Mega Ball | 1: 689,065 | $10,000* |
| Fourth | 4 numbers | 1: 15,313 | $150* |
| Fifth | 3 numbers + Mega Ball | 1: 13,781 | $150* |
| Sixth | 2 numbers + Mega Ball | 1: 844 | $10 |
| Seventh | 3 numbers | 1: 306 | $7 |
| Eighth | 1 number + Mega Ball | 1: 141 | $3 |
| Ninth | Mega Ball only | 1: 75 | $2 |
Where the Money Goes
Money spent on Mega Millions goes to the state where it was purchased. Here is a breakdown of where each dollar goes:
- On average, 35% of all Mega Millions ticket sales go to support government services in the member states. Those services could be local public education, public health, college scholarships, aid to counties and cities, or whatever that state chooses.
- Approximately 50% of every dollar wagered goes back to the players as prizes.
- Approximately 15% goes to retailer commissions and lottery operating costs.
Claiming Prizes
The time period for claiming a prize ranges from 180 days to 1 year from the draw date. Visit your local lottery office to claim a prize greater than $600. Most prizes under $600 can be claimed at your local retailer that sells tickets.
Specific deadlines to claim prizes by state are: California - 180 days; Georgia - 180 days; Illinois - 1 year; Maryland - 182 days; Massachusetts - 1 year; Michigan - 1 year; New Jersey - 1 year; New York - 1 year; Ohio - 180 days; Texas - 180 days; Virginia - 180 days; and Washington - 180 days.
History
Originally known as The Big Game with the first ticket sold on August 31, 1996. The first drawing took place on September 6, 1996. At that time, The Big Game was played in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia.
After strong growth of the game in 1997, a Tuesday drawing was added in February of 1998. Players were given a larger choice of numbers and a "cash payout" option in January of 1999. Also in May of 1999, New Jersey was added as the seventh member state.
In May of 2000, the game made worldwide headlines when it offered the largest jackpot - $363 million - in North American history.
In May 2002, the multi-state game was given the new name of "Mega Millions," New York and Ohio became member states, and the game matrix and prize amounts were changed to offer players more excitement.
In September 2002, Washington became the 10th member state, followed by Texas in December 2003.
In June 2005, California became the 12th and newest member, solidifying Mega Millions as the country's most widely played multi-state jackpot game.
Note: *In California, all prizes are pari-mutuel,
meaning payouts are based on sales and the number of winners.
All other Mega Millions states set the 2nd through 9th prizes
at pre-determined amounts.
