The odds of winning Mega Millions are 302,575,350 to one. That doesn’t stop thousands of lotto fans from joining the fun and daydreaming about the day they win the grand prize. While many are focused on winning big, there are eight other prizes, too!
But what do you win if you match one number on Mega Millions? Is there a prize in Mega Millions for one number plus the Mega Ball? What can you win in Mega Millions with 2 numbers that match? How about Mega Millions with 3 numbers?
Mega Millions Prizes
Jackpot (Match 5 + Mega Ball)
Match all five white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the grand prize. The jackpot starts in the hundreds of millions and rolls over until it's won.
Odds of winning: 1 in 278,452,338
Match 5 (No Mega Ball)
Match all five white balls to win a base prize of $2 million. With the built-in multiplier, this prize can increase up to $20 million.
Odds of winning: 1 in 11,688,054
Match 4 + Mega Ball
Match four white balls and the Mega Ball to win a base prize of $25,000. With the multiplier, it can grow up to $250,000.
Odds of winning: 1 in 863,126
Match 4 (No Mega Ball)
Match four white balls to win a base prize of $1,000. Multiplies up to $10,000.
Odds of winning: 1 in 35,584
Match 3 + Mega Ball
Match three white balls and the Mega Ball to win a base prize of $200. Can multiply up to $2,000.
Odds of winning: 1 in 13,196
Match 3 (No Mega Ball)
Match three white balls to win a base prize of $20. Multiplies up to $200.
Odds of winning: 1 in 545
Match 2 + Mega Ball
Match two white balls and the Mega Ball to win a base prize of $20. Can multiply up to $200.
Odds of winning: 1 in 625
Match 2 (No Mega Ball)
No prize awarded.
Odds of occurrence: 1 in 706
Match 1 + Mega Ball
Match one white ball and the Mega Ball to win a base prize of $10. Can multiply up to $100.
Odds of winning: 1 in 73
Match 1 (No Mega Ball)
No prize awarded.
Odds of occurrence: 1 in 89
Match Mega Ball Only
Match just the Mega Ball to win a base prize of $10. Multiplies up to $100.
Odds of winning: 1 in 36
⚡️ Feeling inspired? Get in the game on Jackpocket lottery app for mobile or desktop.
Matching only the Mega Ball
To win a prize by matching just one number, that number must be the Mega Ball.
Under the new 2025 rules, matching only the Mega Ball wins you a base prize of $10. But that's not all — every ticket now includes a built-in random multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x), which can increase your prize up to $100.
Example:
If your ticket has a 5x multiplier and you match the Mega Ball, your $10 prize becomes $50.
Odds of winning by matching just the Mega Ball: 1 in 36
Matching only a white ball (not the Mega Ball) does not result in any prize.
What’s the prize for matching one white ball and the Mega Ball in Mega Millions?
With the 2025 rule changes, this two-ball combination wins a base prize of $10, which can be increased up to $100 thanks to the automatic multiplier included on every ticket. There’s no longer a separate Megaplier add-on—every $5 ticket now includes a randomly drawn multiplier of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
Odds of winning this prize: 1 in 73
Matching Two or More Main Numbers
From matching one white ball plus the Mega Ball, prize levels increase with each additional match. While matching two white balls alone still does not win a prize, any combination of two or more white balls plus the Mega Ball earns a cash prize.
For example:
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2 white balls + Mega Ball = base prize of $20 (up to $200 with multiplier)
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3 white balls + Mega Ball = base prize of $200 (up to $2,000 with multiplier)
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And so on, increasing with more matches.
How Mega Millions Works (2025 Edition)
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery draw game held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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Players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24.
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You can select numbers manually or use the Quick Pick option for random selections.
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Every play costs $5 and now includes a built-in multiplier, which applies to all non-jackpot prizes.
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The multiplier is randomly assigned to each ticket and can be 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.
Note: The "Just the Jackpot" option and the Megaplier add-on have both been discontinued with the 2025 update. All non-jackpot prizes now come with a multiplier built into the base ticket price.
FAQs
What do I need to know if I win a large Mega Millions prize?
If you win, we first recommend consulting a tax attorney or certified public accountant to help you know how best to claim your prize (lump sum versus annuity) to give you the best tax advantage. They can also help you decide how to manage your winnings to make them last long term.
Can you play Mega Millions online?
Yes! Many states offer the ability to order your Mega Millions tickets online with a digital lottery courier such as Jackpocket. When you try your luck with Jackpocket, you can choose your own numbers or go random with the Quick Pick feature. See our list of recent lottery winners to learn about people who have won using Jackpocket.
What strategies can I use for Mega Millions?
People use many tips and tricks to play Mega Millions and other lottery games. From special dates to using your horoscope for lucky numbers, there are dozens of ways people choose to play. Whether you win all comes down to chance, however, as each number has an equal chance of being drawn.
Get your Mega Millions ticket now
It’s exciting to think about winning the lottery and what’s possible for yourself, family and friends, like taking that dream vacation you’ve always wanted. Play responsibly and have a great time.
Jackpocket is an easy, secure way to order official state lottery tickets like Mega Millions, Powerball, Cash4life and more. Try your luck directly from your phone or computer when you order online or get the app today.
