Mega Millions Jackpot Hits Record $1.7 Billion: Key Deadlines, Odds & How to Play

The Mega Millions jackpot continues its late-summer climb after no ticket matched all six numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing, sending the grand prize soaring to an estimated $358 million (cash option $164.5 million) for Friday, September 12. Tuesday’s winning numbers were 6-43-52-64-65 and Mega Ball 22. Why the pot is growing Since April’s game enhancements—bigger starting jackpots, faster rollovers, and a built-in 2×-10× multiplier on every play—the top prize has accelerated more quickly than in past years. Tuesday marked the 27th consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner, positioning Friday’s purse among the ten largest Mega Millions prizes of 2025. How to play in 2025 • Price: $5 per play after the April 5 price adjustment. • Pick five white balls (1-70) and one gold Mega Ball (1-25). • Match all six to win the jackpot, or match fewer for nine lower-tier prizes ranging from $5 to $10 million when the multiplier lands on 10×. • Tickets are sold in 45 states plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands until 10 p.m. ET on drawing nights. Odds and payout tiers Overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 23.07, while the odds of hitting the jackpot remain 1 in 302 million. Second-tier winners (five white balls) claim a guaranteed $1 million that can leap to $10 million with the automatic multiplier feature. What happens if you win Winners have 60 days to choose between the annuity (paid over 30 years with 5% annual increases) or the lump-sum cash option. Both are subject to federal taxes, and most states also withhold local taxes. Experts recommend signing the ticket immediately, assembling a financial team, and considering anonymity if your state allows it. Next key dates • Ticket cutoff: Friday, Sept 12, 10 p.m. local time • Drawing: Friday, Sept 12, 11 p.m. ET (watch on your state lottery website or the official YouTube stream) • If no winner Friday: Tuesday’s drawing (Sept 16) could exceed $400 million. Responsible play reminder While jackpot fever is exciting, remember that Mega Millions is a form of entertainment; set a budget and stick to it. If gambling stops being fun, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.