On October 28, 2025, the Mega Millions lottery drew immense attention with a staggering jackpot estimate of $714 million. This substantial prize comes with a cash option valued at $334.1 million, making it a highly sought-after lottery event.
Significance of the Jackpot
This jackpot ranks as the ninth largest in Mega Millions history and the twentieth biggest across U.S. lottery records. The last Mega Millions jackpot was claimed on June 27, when a player from Virginia won $348 million.
Upcoming Powerball Drawing
As the excitement builds around the Mega Millions, the Powerball lottery also maintains a noteworthy prize of $376 million for its drawing scheduled for October 29, with a cash option of $179.3 million.
Winning Numbers for Mega Millions
The winning numbers for Mega Millions drawn on October 28, 2025, are: 2, 19, 33, 53, 61, with a Megaball of 14. This drawing has enthusiasts eagerly analyzing their tickets.
Changes to Mega Millions
Significant changes were introduced to the Mega Millions format on April 8, enhancing the game experience:
- Ticket prices increased from $2 to $5.
- A multiplier feature was added, costing an additional $1.
- Prizes for matching five white balls now range from $2 million to $10 million.
- The starting jackpot increased to $50 million instead of $20 million after each win.
Additionally, the number of Mega Balls decreased from 25 to 24, improving odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336.
Prizes Breakdown
Here’s a summary of the new prize payouts:
| Match Type | Minimum Payout | Maximum Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Five white balls | $2 million | $10 million |
| Four white balls plus Mega Ball | $20,000 | $100,000 |
| Four white balls | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Three white balls plus Mega Ball | $400 | $2,000 |
| Three white balls | $20 | $100 |
| Two white balls plus Mega Ball | $20 | $100 |
| One white ball plus Mega Ball | $14 | $70 |
| Just Mega Ball | $10 | $50 |
Playing Mega Millions
Drawing results are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. To enter, players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24. The cost per ticket is now set at $5, including the new multiplier feature.
Where to Purchase Tickets
Tickets are available in person across various retailers like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some states offer online purchases via platforms like Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of USA TODAY Network.
Ticket Purchase Deadlines
Deadline times for purchasing Mega Millions tickets differ by state, typically ranging from 15 minutes to several hours before the drawing.
Concluding Thoughts
The Mega Millions jackpot of $714 million represents a life-changing opportunity for anyone fortunate enough to match the winning numbers. As the excitement builds for this drawing, players eagerly await the outcome on October 28, 2025, hoping to join the ranks of past jackpot winners.
