The last Mega Millions jackpot was won on March 26, 2024 in New Jersey, the state's 24th Mega Millions jackpot win!
With past Mega Millions jackpots ranging from $20 million up to $1.58 BILLION, you may be wondering which states win Mega Millions the most. Is geography in your favor? Here are America's luckiest states for hitting the Mega Millions jackpot.
⚡️ Feeling inspired? Get in the game on the Jackpocket lottery app for mobile or desktop.
How Many States Are in Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is available in 47 jurisdictions—45 states plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Of all the Mega Millions states, 28 have won Mega Millions jackpots—some more than others!
As always, take this list with a grain of salt. South Carolina, for example, has only won one Mega Millions jackpot—but it was a pretty historic one. (#MegaBillions forever).
Plus, there are five states that don’t have state lotteries: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Mississippi's state lottery is still relatively new—it began selling Mega Millions tickets in January 2020. Learn more about how to play Mega Millions here.
Mega Millions Jackpot Winners By State
| State | Jackpots Won | Year of Last Win |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 43 | 2023 |
| California | 34 | 2023 |
| New Jersey | 24 | 2024 |
| Ohio | 20 | 2019 |
| Michigan | 18 | 2021 |
| Georgia | 16 | 2016 |
| Illinois | 14 | 2022 |
| Texas | 14 | 2023 |
| Maryland | 11 | 2014 |
| Virginia | 9 | 2016 |
| Washington | 5 | 2016 |
| Massachusetts | 5 | 2023 |
| Florida | 5 | 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | 2021 |
| Arizona | 2 | 2021 |
| Indiana | 2 | 2016 |
| Missouri | 2 |
2019 |
| North Carolina | 2 | 2011 |
| Tennessee | 2 | 2022 |
| Arkansas | 1 | 2017 |
| Idaho | 1 | 2011 |
| Kansas | 1 | 2012 |
| Maine | 1 | 2023 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 2022 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | 2019 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | 2018 |
| South Carolina | 1 | 2018 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 2020 |
| Colorado | 0 |
N/A |
| Connecticut | 0 |
N/A |
| Delaware | 0 |
N/A |
| District of Columbia | 0 |
N/A |
| Iowa | 0 |
N/A |
| Kentucky | 0 |
N/A |
| Louisiana | 0 |
N/A |
| Mississippi | 0 |
N/A |
| Montana | 0 |
N/A |
| Nebraska | 0 |
N/A |
| New Mexico | 0 |
N/A |
| North Dakota | 0 |
N/A |
| Oklahoma | 0 |
N/A |
| Oregon | 0 |
N/A |
| South Dakota | 0 |
N/A |
| Vermont | 0 |
N/A |
| Virgin Islands | 0 |
N/A |
| West Virginia | 0 |
N/A |
| Wyoming | 0 |
N/A |
*Updated as of Mega Millions jackpot win in New Jersey on March 26, 2024
Unluckiest Mega Millions States
We’ve seen how many states participate in the Mega Millions and which states win Mega Millions ranked by number of wins. Have the states with no winners truly been unlucky? Probably not. For example, Mississippi only started selling Mega Millions tickets in 2020, whereas other states with the most wins have been participating much longer. The good news is that no matter which state or town you live in, your ticket has an equal chance of winning.
State Lottery Tax Withholdings
Over 30 Mega Millions jackpots have been won in California. Those winners are extra lucky. California doesn’t withhold state taxes on your lottery winnings automatically like many other states. Basically, the winner didn’t have to pay state taxes on top of federal ones.
Curious how your state ranks? These are the best and worst states to win Mega Millions in terms of state tax owed:
Best
- California, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming - 0%
- North Dakota - 2.9%
- Pennsylvania - 3.07%
- Indiana - 3.23%
- Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia - 4%
Worst
- New York - 10.9%
- Maryland - 8.75%
- Washington, D.C. - 8.50%
- New Jersey, Oregon - 8.0%
- Wisconsin, Minnesota - 7.25%
*Take note! We are not tax experts. For the official word on lottery winnings and your federal and state taxes, double check the gambling income rules laid out at IRS.gov, your state taxing authority and contact a CPA or tax attorney.
Things to Do Immediately If You Win the Mega Millions Jackpot
Celebrate! Then take a deep breath and get in touch with a CPA, financial planner, or tax lawyer to help. Why? They will help ensure you have a thoughtful strategy in place tailored to you and your goals. They can guide you on whether a lump sum or an annuity is the best option for you and your tax situation.
Top 10 jackpots: Check out the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history.
Home is where the jackpot is. Get your Mega Millions ticket on the Jackpocket app for a chance to make your state a winner.
