Atlanta, Georgia, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $358 million, enticing players nationwide. The cash option stands at $164.5 million, following a recent Virginia win of $348 million. Tickets are available for $5, and drawings occur twice a week. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 290 million, with recent updates in rules and prize structures. As excitement builds, players are encouraged to purchase tickets and try their luck.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has reached a staggering $358 million ahead of the upcoming drawing on September 9, 2025. Players have the option to take a cash payout of $164.5 million if they win. This enormous prize follows a recent win on June 27, when a player in Virginia took home $348 million.
In contrast, the current Powerball jackpot stands at a much smaller $33 million, with a cash option of $15.2 million. For those interested in trying their luck, Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players can purchase tickets for $5, which includes a multiplier feature that can increase potential winnings up to 10 times (excluding the jackpot).
To play Mega Millions, participants choose five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. There is also a Quick Pick option, wherein the lottery machine generates random numbers for players. Importantly, players do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents of the state in which they purchase their tickets.
Winnings and Odds
Winning prizes can vary widely, with a minimum payout of $10 for matching just the Mega Ball, and potential prizes of at least $2 million for matching all five white balls (excluding California). The odds of clinching the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290,472,336.
Mega Millions is available in 45 states, alongside the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, residents in states such as Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah are unable to participate in the Mega Millions lottery. Tickets can be purchased at various retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, as well as online through the Jackpocket app, which is available in select states.
Purchasing Tickets and Deadlines
The ticket purchasing deadline varies by state, typically ranging from 15 minutes to several hours before the drawing. Once a player wins, they can choose between an annuity payment made over time or a one-time cash option. Some states, like New Jersey, allow winners the option to remain anonymous, ensuring their privacy after claiming their winnings.
Recent Drawings and Updates
The most recent Powerball drawing on September 8 yielded winning numbers of 26, 28, 41, 53, 64, and Powerball 9. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for September 10, 2025. It’s also worth noting that the rules for Mega Millions were updated on April 8, introducing changes to ticket pricing and number selection strategies for players.
As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow, players are urged to consider their options and to purchase tickets before the upcoming drawing. With the excitement building, many will be hoping to strike it rich with their lucky numbers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Bern Resident Wins $100,000 Lottery Prize
Additional Resources
- North Jersey: Mega Millions Winning Numbers
- NC Lottery: Mega Millions Jackpot Grows
- Indy Star: Powerball Drawing Results
- NBC DFW: Texas Powerball Winner After Taxes
- Wikipedia: Lottery
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
