The Mega Millions lottery is back in the spotlight, with the jackpot climbing to a staggering $62 million for Tuesday’s upcoming draw. After Friday’s drawing on September 20 failed to produce a jackpot winner, the prize pool continues to grow, sparking excitement among lottery enthusiasts across the U.S.
Mega Millions remains one of the most popular lottery games in the country, with players eagerly anticipating every Tuesday and Friday night for their chance to win life-changing sums. The jackpot may be elusive, but Friday’s drawing still saw two lucky players in California and New Jersey hit it big, matching five numbers and taking home $1 million each.
If you missed the latest numbers or want to know how to improve your chances of winning, keep reading! We’ve got all the details you need, from the winning numbers to how to play and where to buy your ticket.
Mega Millions Winning Numbers for September 20
Let’s get to the most important part — the winning numbers for Friday, September 20.
- Winning Numbers: 20, 21, 40, 49, 55
- Mega Ball: 11
- Megaplier: 3X
While no one hit the jackpot this time around, two players still won $1 million by matching the five white balls. Unfortunately, they didn’t hit the Mega Ball, which would’ve landed them the full jackpot. However, thanks to the Megaplier, their winnings could’ve been multiplied if they opted for it.
That’s right — for just an extra dollar, the Megaplier can boost your non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or even 5 times the amount! This week, the Megaplier was 3X, which means it could have turned a lower-tier prize into a much bigger win.
How the Mega Millions Jackpot Works
The Mega Millions jackpot grows each time there isn’t a jackpot winner. With Friday’s jackpot unclaimed, the prize for Tuesday’s drawing has now shot up to $62 million. If a lucky player matches all six numbers on Tuesday, they can choose between a one-time lump-sum payment or an annuity paid out over 30 years.
If you win the $62 million jackpot and opt for the lump sum, your take-home would be an estimated $29.7 million before taxes. Not too shabby for a night’s work!
Can Anyone Win the Mega Millions Jackpot?
Winning the Mega Millions jackpot isn’t easy. In fact, the odds of hitting all six numbers are approximately 1 in 302.6 million. But don’t let that scare you off — people do win, and sometimes in massive ways. Just look at the record-breaking jackpot winners from earlier this year:
- In March, a player from New Jersey won a whopping $1.1 billion, a prize that still remains unclaimed.
- In June, another lucky player from Illinois took home $552 million.
- Just last week, on September 10, a Texas resident snagged an incredible $810 million!
If you think these amounts are jaw-dropping, you’re not alone. Mega Millions jackpots often soar into hundreds of millions (sometimes billions), making it one of the most thrilling lottery games in the world.
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing Mega Millions is incredibly simple, and even more convenient now that you can buy tickets both in person and online. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get started:
- Pick Your Numbers: Select five white ball numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
- Quick Pick Option: If you don’t want to pick your numbers, you can go with the “Quick Pick” option, where the computer randomly selects numbers for you.
- Add the Megaplier: For just $1 extra, add the Megaplier to boost your winnings for any non-jackpot prizes.
- Wait for the Draw: The Mega Millions numbers are drawn every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. EST. Tune in or check online to see if you’ve won.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Buying a Mega Millions ticket is super easy. You can grab your ticket from gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores across most states. But did you know you can also buy tickets online in select states?
Thanks to platforms like Jackpocket, you can purchase Mega Millions tickets digitally in these states:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- New York
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Washington D.C.
- And more!
Using the Jackpocket app, you can pick your numbers, check results, and even claim your winnings all from the comfort of your phone. It’s a game-changer for anyone who prefers to handle their tickets digitally. Check out Jackpocket here.
What to Do if You Win
So, you’ve matched all six numbers and just won $62 million — congratulations! But what happens next?
Here’s a quick guide to what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Winning a lottery this big can be overwhelming, but take a deep breath and stay grounded.
- Keep Your Ticket Safe: Make sure you store your winning ticket in a safe place and sign the back to prove it’s yours.
- Consult Financial Advisors: Before you do anything with your newfound wealth, talk to a tax expert and financial advisor to plan the best course of action.
- Decide on Payout: You’ll have to choose between a lump sum or annuity payout. Both have their pros and cons, so make sure you’ve thought it through.
The Next Mega Millions Drawing
If you’re feeling lucky, the next Mega Millions drawing will be held on Tuesday, September 24, with the jackpot estimated at $62 million. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next big win!
Remember, even if you don’t hit the jackpot, there are plenty of other ways to win with Mega Millions, from matching a few numbers to hitting the Megaplier.
Ready to play? Head to your local retailer or buy your ticket online through Jackpocket and take your shot at winning the next Mega Millions jackpot.
