Mega millions jackpot soars to $843 million: Winning numbers & how to play
Mega millions jackpot soars to $843 million: Winning numbers & how to play
The Mega Millions lottery continues to capture imaginations as the jackpot climbs to a staggering $843 million, with the lump-sum cash option estimated at $391.7 million for the Friday, November 7, 2025 drawing. This makes it the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history and the 14th-largest U.S. lottery prize ever.
The previous jackpot was claimed on June 27 in Virginia, when a lucky ticket holder took home $348 million. With the jackpot now growing, excitement is reaching a fever pitch, especially as the Powerball jackpot also sits high at $467 million, offering a cash option of $218.1 million.
Friday, November 7 Mega Millions Numbers:
The winning numbers for Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing were: 16, 21, 23, 48, 70, with the gold Mega Ball 5. No one matched all six numbers, keeping the jackpot rolling into the next drawing.
Ohio had a notable win: a single ticket matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball with a 3X multiplier, earning $30,000. Other non-jackpot prizes ranged from $20,000 to $100,000, thanks to the Mega Millions Multiplier feature, which boosts non-jackpot prizes two, three, four, five, or ten times.
Mega Millions Jackpot Evolution
Earlier this year, Mega Millions made significant changes to improve gameplay and prize payouts. Ticket prices increased to $5 per play, now including a multiplier for non-jackpot winnings. Matching five white balls can now earn between $2 million and $10 million. The number of Mega Balls decreased from 25 to 24, slightly improving the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 302.5 million to 1 in 290.5 million. The minimum prize for any ticket is $10.
Non-jackpot prizes also saw a boost:
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Four white balls plus the Mega Ball: $20,000–$100,000
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Four white balls: $1,000–$5,000
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Three white balls plus the Mega Ball: $400–$2,000
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Three white balls: $20–$100
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Two white balls plus the Mega Ball: $20–$100
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One white ball plus the Mega Ball: $14–$70
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Mega Ball only: $10–$50
How to Play Mega Millions
Players select five numbers from 1–70 for the white balls and one number from 1–24 for the Mega Ball. Quick Picks allow the lottery machine to generate random numbers. Tickets are available to players in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states, such as Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, do not offer Mega Millions.
Tickets can be purchased in-person at retail stores or online through authorized apps like Jackpocket, which allows players to pick numbers, purchase tickets, and claim winnings digitally.
Next Drawing and Jackpot Forecast
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, at 11 p.m. ET, with an estimated jackpot of $900 million or $415.3 million in cash. Winners can choose between a lump sum cash payout or annuity installments over 30 years.
Odds and Taxes
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are roughly 1 in 290 million. Taxes will affect winnings, with federal rates up to 37% and possible state taxes depending on residency.
Mega Millions has provided dreamers across the U.S. the chance to imagine life-changing winnings. Could the next millionaire be you?
FAQ
Q: When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
A: Every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
Q: How much does a ticket cost?
A: $5 per ticket, including the Multiplier option.
Q: Can I win if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
A: Yes, you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must purchase the ticket in a participating state.
Q: What are the odds of winning the jackpot?
A: 1 in 290,472,336.
Q: Can winners remain anonymous?
A: Some states, like New Jersey, allow winners to stay anonymous; others require public disclosure.
