Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $451 Million: Latest Results and How to Play

The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $451 million after no winner was declared in the September 19, 2025 drawing. Players can participate in the upcoming drawing on Tuesday, September 23, with the option of a lump sum cash payout of $208.7 million.

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $451 Million: Latest Results and How to Play

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has surged to an estimated $451 million following the September 19, 2025 drawing, where no ticket matched all six numbers. The winning numbers for that drawing were 2, 22, 27, 42, 58, with the Mega Ball 8. This marks a significant increase from the previous jackpot of $423 million, offering players a substantial prize in the upcoming drawing on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Recent Mega Millions Results

In the September 19 drawing, the jackpot prize remained unclaimed, leading to the current estimated jackpot of $451 million. The cash option for this prize is $208.7 million. While no jackpot winners were reported, there were several notable secondary prize winners:

• Match 5 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 5: No winners
• Match 4 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 4: Three winners, each receiving $1,000
• Match 3 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 3: Numerous winners, each receiving $10
• Match 2 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 2: Numerous winners, each receiving $2
• Match 1 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 1: Numerous winners, each receiving $2
• Match 0 + Megaplier: No winners
• Match 0: Numerous winners, each receiving $2

For a complete breakdown of the prize distribution, including the number of winners in each category, please refer to the official Mega Millions website or your local lottery authority's site.

How to Play Mega Millions

Participating in the Mega Millions lottery is straightforward. Here's how you can enter the next drawing:

1. Choose Your Numbers: Select five numbers between 1 and 70, and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. Alternatively, you can opt for a Quick Pick, where the system randomly selects your numbers.
2. Decide on Megaplier: For an additional $1 per play, you can activate the Megaplier option, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, depending on the multiplier drawn.
3. Purchase Your Ticket: Tickets are available at authorized lottery retailers in participating states. The cost per play is $2, plus an additional $1 if you choose the Megaplier option.
4. Check the Drawing Time: Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. Be sure to purchase your ticket before the cutoff time, which varies by state.

Remember, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million, so play responsibly and within your means.

Claiming Your Prize

If you're fortunate enough to win a Mega Millions prize, it's essential to understand the process for claiming your winnings:

• Jackpot Prizes: Winners can choose between an annuity option, which pays the full jackpot amount over 30 years, or a lump sum cash option, which is a one-time payment. The cash option for the current jackpot is $208.7 million.
• Secondary Prizes: Prizes for matching fewer numbers vary. For instance, matching five numbers without the Mega Ball typically wins $1 million, or $2 million if the Megaplier is activated.
• Claiming Locations: Prizes must be claimed in the state where the ticket was purchased. For large prizes, winners may need to visit the state lottery headquarters.
• Claim Period: Winners have a limited time to claim their prizes, usually between 90 and 365 days, depending on the state.

It's advisable to sign the back of your ticket and keep it in a safe place until you're ready to claim your prize.

Recent Mega Millions Jackpot History

While the current jackpot is substantial, it's not the largest in Mega Millions history. The record for the largest Mega Millions jackpot was set on August 8, 2023, when a single ticket sold in Neptune Beach, Florida, won a $1.602 billion prize. The winner chose the cash option of $794.2 million. Other notable jackpots include:

• October 23, 2018: A $1.537 billion jackpot was won by a single ticket in South Carolina.
• January 13, 2023: A $1.35 billion jackpot was won by a ticket sold in Maine.
• July 29, 2022: A $1.34 billion jackpot was won by a ticket sold in Illinois.
• December 27, 2024: A $1.22 billion jackpot was won by a ticket sold in California.

These record-breaking jackpots have contributed to the growing popularity of the Mega Millions lottery, attracting players nationwide with the allure of life-changing prizes.

Conclusion

The Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow, offering players the chance to win a life-changing sum. With the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, now is the perfect time to purchase your ticket and try your luck. Remember to play responsibly and ensure you're aware of the rules and procedures for claiming any potential winnings. Good luck!