US Mega Millions Exposed — Can You Purchase Tickets Online?

US Mega Millions Review

Regardless of where you live, chances are you’ve heard of Mega Millions—one of the most iconic and lucrative lotteries in the United States. For years, Mega Millions and its rival Powerball have battled to offer the largest jackpots in history. In 2012, Mega Millions made headlines with a massive $656 million prize split among three winners. Then in 2018, a single ticket in South Carolina claimed $1.537 billion, and on August 8, 2023, Mega Millions shattered its own record when a ticket sold in Florida won an astonishing $1.602 billion—its biggest jackpot ever.

To stay competitive and deliver more value, Mega Millions has updated its format multiple times. A major change came in 2017 to boost jackpot growth—and now, starting April 8, 2025, another game-changing update has launched. This overhaul introduces bigger, faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and significantly larger non-jackpot prizes.

Mega Millions is officially available in 46 U.S. jurisdictions, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is not currently offered in Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, or Utah.

Each participating state has its own lottery website where you can find local rules, prize claim information, and purchase options. All official resources are listed on the Mega Millions website. And if you’re playing from outside the U.S., don’t worry—trusted online lottery services make it possible to buy Mega Millions tickets internationally. In this updated review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the latest Mega Millions rules, prize tiers, and how to play safely online.

Is Jackpocket legit? Can you play Mega Millions through it?

How Does US Mega Millions Work?

Over the years, Mega Millions has gone through multiple rule changes to keep the game exciting and competitive. Prior to October 2017, players selected five numbers from 1 to 75 and a Mega Ball from 1 to 15. The odds of hitting the jackpot were about 1 in 258,890,850.

In October 2017, the format was updated: players began picking five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball from 1 to 25. This change increased the jackpot odds to 1 in 302,575,350, but it also boosted starting jackpots and created the possibility for much larger prize pools.

Now, beginning April 8, 2025, Mega Millions has introduced another major revamp:

• The Mega Ball pool was reduced from 25 to 24, slightly improving the odds.
• The new jackpot odds are 1 in 290,472,336.
• Every ticket includes a built-in multiplier (2x to 10x) for non-jackpot prizes.
• All non-jackpot prizes have increased significantly—some by as much as 10 times.

To win the jackpot, you still need to match all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball.

Note: All non-jackpot prizes are automatically multiplied by 2x to 10x. The specific multiplier is randomly assigned to each draw.

The End of MegaPlier – Meet the New Built-In Multiplier

For many years, Mega Millions offered an optional add-on feature called MegaPlier, which cost an extra $1 and allowed non-jackpot prizes to be multiplied by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x. Introduced in 2003 and enhanced over the years (including the popular 5x MegaPlier added in 2013), it became a fan favorite—especially for second-tier prizes.

However, as of April 8, 2025, the MegaPlier has been retired. Why? Because the multiplier is now built directly into every ticket, and it’s even more powerful.

Under the new format:

• All non-jackpot prizes are automatically multiplied by a random 2x to 10x multiplier.
• There’s no extra cost—every $5 ticket includes this feature by default.
• A Match 5 prize, which used to be a flat $1 million, can now grow to as much as $10 million.
• Even the lowest prize tier (just the Mega Ball) now pays $10 to $50, depending on the multiplier drawn.

There’s no need to select an extra number or opt in at checkout. Every player automatically benefits from the multiplier during each drawing.

Keep in mind: California still does not participate in fixed prize levels or the multiplier feature, due to its state law requiring pari-mutuel payouts. So if you play Mega Millions in California, prize amounts will vary depending on sales and number of winners.

The retirement of the MegaPlier marks the end of an era—but the new system offers more value, bigger prizes, and a simpler experience for players.

Tips for Safely Playing Mega Millions Online

As one of the most recognized lotteries in the world, Mega Millions is often targeted by scammers looking to exploit its popularity. If you want to play Mega Millions online, it’s essential to choose your platform carefully and protect yourself from fraud.

Here are a few key safety tips:

• Make sure the website you’re using is legitimate. Look for HTTPS encryption, clear company details, and a valid license or regulatory info.
• Before purchasing a ticket, review the site’s terms regarding ticket handling, prize claims, and fees.
• A reputable platform should support secure, well-known payment methods and never ask for sensitive info outside the checkout process.
• If you’re unsure about anything, reach out to their customer support. Prompt, helpful responses are a good sign.

Avoid unsolicited messages: Remember—legitimate lottery organizations never contact winners via email, text, or social media. If you receive a message claiming you’ve won Mega Millions without buying a ticket, it’s a scam.

If something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s better to walk away than to fall victim to a fraudulent website or scheme. Stick with well-reviewed online lottery platforms that clearly explain how they purchase and store your ticket and how prizes are paid out.

How Do I Get Paid If I Win Mega Millions?

Let’s talk about the most important question—how do you actually get your Mega Millions winnings?

If you win the jackpot, you’ll have two payout options:

• Annuity: Paid out as 30 annual payments over 29 years (not 26 as in older rules). Each payment increases by 5% to help offset inflation.
• Cash Option: A lump-sum payment based on the current cash value of the jackpot prize pool.

For example, if the advertised jackpot is $50 million, the cash option may be around $30 million, depending on interest rates. Keep in mind that all prizes are subject to federal and (in most cases) state taxes. California is a notable exception—it does not tax lottery winnings, but other states like New York may withhold a significant portion.

And yes—international players are eligible to win and claim Mega Millions prizes, though taxes may apply in both the U.S. and their home country.

Record-Breaking Mega Millions Jackpots

Mega Millions has paid out some jaw-dropping prizes over the years:

• $1.602 billion – August 8, 2023: A single ticket sold in Florida became the largest Mega Millions jackpot in history.
• $1.537 billion – October 23, 2018: One ticket sold in South Carolina; the winner remained anonymous and took the $878 million cash option.
• $1.05 billion – January 22, 2021: A winning ticket in Michigan claimed the jackpot; the winner chose the $776.6 million lump sum.

April 2025 Update: Higher Minimum Jackpot & Bigger Prizes

The latest Mega Millions overhaul (April 2025) brought exciting improvements:

• The starting jackpot is now $50 million, up from the previous $20 million.
• Non-jackpot prize tiers now benefit from an automatic multiplier (2x–10x) at no extra cost.
• The second prize (Match 5) still starts at $1 million, but now can be multiplied up to $10 million.
• The third-tier prize (Match 4 + Mega Ball) has increased significantly—from $10,000 to $20,000–$100,000, depending on the multiplier.

These changes give players more value, even if they don’t hit the jackpot. Yes, the odds remain long—but the prize potential is bigger and better than ever.

Cool Mega Millions Facts

With its jaw-dropping jackpots and exciting prize structure, Mega Millions remains one of the most beloved lotteries in the U.S.—and around the world. Beyond the headlines, there are plenty of cool and quirky facts that make this game truly legendary. Here are a few worth knowing:

1). The very first Mega Millions drawing produced a jackpot winner! The lucky ticket was purchased in Chicago, and the winner walked away with $27 million—not a bad start for a lottery that would go on to mint billionaires.

2). Since launching in 2002, Mega Millions has sold tens of billions of tickets. Considering the original ticket price was just $1 (now $5 as of April 2025), it’s no surprise so many people continue to test their luck.

3). As of 2024, over 440 million winning tickets have been sold across all prize tiers—from small wins of $10 all the way up to billion-dollar jackpots.

4). Multiple years have seen a streak of major jackpots. In 2014, there were nine Mega Millions jackpots ranging from $20 million to $410 million. In 2015, eight jackpots were won, including three over $200 million.

5). In 2023, Mega Millions set a new record with a $1.602 billion jackpot won by a single ticket in Florida, beating the previous record from 2018.

6). With the April 2025 upgrade, the game now offers built-in multipliers up to 10x—meaning even non-jackpot winners can walk away with millions.

Customer Complaints about US Mega Millions

Let’s get one thing straight: the official Mega Millions game is legit. I’ve followed it for years, and the people behind it do exactly what they say they’ll do. According to official figures, about 50% of ticket sales go toward prizes, 15% covers retailer commissions and operating costs, and the remaining 35% goes to state governments where the tickets are sold—funding things like education, infrastructure, and community programs.

That said, not all websites or “services” using the Mega Millions name are trustworthy.

Some unauthorized online retailers and third-party ticket resellers operate in a legal gray zone, offering to “buy a ticket on your behalf.” While a few are legit, others can be confusing, overpriced, or even deceptive in how they handle your purchase or winnings.

Then there are the outright scammers—those classic email messages that say, “Congratulations! You’ve won Mega Millions!” and ask for personal details, bank info, or upfront payment of “taxes” to release your (non-existent) prize. These scams have been circulating for years, and yet somehow, people still fall for them.

Pro tip: If you didn’t buy a ticket, you didn’t win. The official Mega Millions organization will never contact you to tell you you’ve won—not by email, phone, or social media.

So yes, Mega Millions itself is safe—but always double-check who you’re buying from, especially online. Stick with reputable lottery agents or go directly through official state websites when possible.

Why You Should Play US Mega Millions

Pros:

Massive, Record-Breaking Jackpot Opportunities (Up to $1.6+ Billion)

Twice-a-Week Draws: Every Tuesday and Friday Night

International Players Can Participate Through Trusted Online Lottery Services

Well-Regulated and Officially Operated by a National Multi-State Lottery Association

Built-In Multiplier (2x to 10x) Boosts Non-Jackpot Prizes Automatically

2025 Game Update Raised the Starting Jackpot to $50 Million and Increased All Prize Tiers

If There’s No Jackpot Winner, the Prize Rolls Over and Grows Quickly

Winners Can Choose Between Lump Sum and 30-Year Annuity Payment Options

Why You Shouldn’t Play US Mega Millions

Cons:

Online Lottery Scams Still Exist—Stick to Verified Platforms

Beware of “You’ve Won” Email Scams Using the Mega Millions Name

The Odds of Winning the Jackpot Are Still Extremely Low (1 in 290 Million)

Despite the Multiplier, It’s Still a Long Shot to Win Top Prizes

Lottery Winnings in the US Are Subject to Federal and (Usually) State Taxes

Is US Mega Millions Legit?

Mega is the name, and money is the game. As of 2025, the lottery now starts each drawing with a minimum guaranteed jackpot of $50 million, and it grows fast every time there’s no winner—sometimes reaching over $1.5 billion! The bottom line on US Mega Millions is a solid thumbs up. Just make sure that if you’re playing online, you’re doing it through a trusted and verified lottery platform.