Mega Millions Jackpot Hits Record $1.6 Billion—Check Drawing Time, Winning Odds & Ticket Tips

The Mega Millions jackpot has rocketed to an estimated $800 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, November 4, 2025—its largest prize since Texas’ $810 million win last year. The cash value stands at a staggering $371.7 million, should a winner opt for the lump-sum payout. Friday night’s Halloween drawing produced the numbers 2-24-52-66-68 with a gold Mega Ball 9. Although no ticket matched all six numbers, the draw still generated more than 550,000 winning tickets nationwide and nearly $10.9 million in lower-tier prizes, including six third-tier wins of $20,000 to $30,000 thanks to optional Megaplier purchases. The game has now gone 36 consecutive drawings without a grand-prize winner since June 27, when a Virginia ticket captured $348 million. Historically, November jackpots are uncommon—only 16 Mega Millions top prizes have been won during the month since 2002, the biggest being a $326 million payout in New York on November 4, 2014. Tickets cost $5 and include a randomly assigned Megaplier that can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10×. Sales close 15 minutes before the 11 p.m. ET drawing in most of the 45 states (plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands) where the game is offered. Players pick five numbers from 1–70 and one Mega Ball from 1–25; the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 23, while the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336. If you score the top prize, you’ll choose between the advertised annuity—paid in 30 gradually increasing annual checks—or the immediate cash option. Both are subject to federal taxes, and most states also withhold state income tax. Experts recommend signing the back of the ticket, storing it securely, and consulting a financial adviser before claiming. With the Mega Millions jackpot now approaching the ten-digit mark, interest is soaring across the country. Whether you select your own numbers or let the terminal Quick Pick for you, remember to play responsibly—only spend what you can afford to lose, and seek help if gambling stops being fun. Could the next record-breaking ticket be yours this Tuesday? Check your numbers shortly after the drawing and keep an eye on this space for the latest Mega Millions jackpot updates.