Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot Skyrockets to $1.6 Billion Tonight—Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your Winning Odds

Dreams of overnight millionaire status are once again sweeping the nation after Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing produced no jackpot winner, sending the grand prize soaring to an estimated $250 million for the next game on Tuesday, January 20. The cash-option value stands at approximately $105.1 million before taxes. Friday’s winning numbers—2, 22, 33, 42, 67 and Mega Ball 1—yielded a host of smaller prizes but left the top tier untouched. Because the jackpot rolls over whenever all six numbers are not matched, ticket-buyers now face the largest Mega Millions prize of 2026 so far and the game’s biggest pot since November’s $983 million run. Why the buzz matters to players • A $250 million annuity would deliver 30 graduated payments over 29 years, each 5 percent larger than the one before, offering a hedge against inflation. • The lump-sum choice of $105.1 million provides immediate liquidity for winners who prefer upfront cash. • The odds of matching all six numbers remain 1 in 302.6 million, yet roughly one in every 24 tickets wins something, thanks to nine prize tiers. How to play and boost your chances Tickets cost $5 in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players pick five white-ball numbers from 1–70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1–24, or they can let the terminal generate a Quick Pick. For an extra dollar, most jurisdictions still offer the optional Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 10×. Buying multiple lines, joining an office pool or spreading picks across a wide number range are popular—and legal—ways to improve statistical coverage without breaking the bank. The jackpot in historical context Though a quarter-billion dollars is eye-catching, it remains well below the record $1.602 billion hit in Florida in August 2023 and the $1.537 billion South Carolina windfall of 2018. Still, a $250 million prize would rank within the top 20 Mega Millions payouts ever, putting the upcoming drawing firmly on the radar of seasoned lottery watchers. Key dates and deadlines • Sales for Tuesday’s drawing typically close at 10:45 p.m. ET, but cut-off times vary by state, so check local lottery rules. • Results are revealed live at 11 p.m. ET from the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta and published online within minutes. • If no ticket matches all six numbers Tuesday, the jackpot will leap again ahead of the Friday, January 23, drawing, potentially overtaking the $300 million threshold. Expert tips for new winners Financial advisers recommend immediately signing the back of the ticket, making digital copies, and placing it in a secure location. Assemble a team—attorney, CPA and financial planner—before claiming, and resist social-media posts that can compromise privacy. Consider the long-term tax impact: federal withholding is 24 percent at payout, but the top rate is 37 percent; many states levy their own taxes, while a few like Florida and Texas do not. Bottom line With the Mega Millions jackpot swelling to $250 million, the stakes have seldom been higher in recent months. Whether you plan to spring for a single $5 line or lead your office pool, be sure to purchase tickets early, double-check the numbers and play responsibly. One lucky combination could transform an ordinary Tuesday night into the start of a multimillion-dollar legacy.