What You Win for Matching Two Mega Millions Numbers
Matching only the Mega Ball wins a fixed $2 prize in Mega Millions, while matching only one white ball plus the Mega Ball also pays $2, according to the official Mega Millions prize structure. Matching two white balls without the Mega Ball does not win a cash prize. These rules apply to all current drawings and are set by the Mega Millions lottery operator and the participating state lotteries. For the latest official prize table and drawing results, visit the Mega Millions official website at megamillions.com.
Mega Millions drawings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and tickets must be claimed according to the deadline set by the state where the ticket was purchased. Prize amounts and claim periods can vary by jurisdiction, but the base fixed prizes for matching only the Mega Ball or one white ball plus the Mega Ball remain $2. The game is operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association and is available in dozens of U.S. states and territories.
Odds of Winning Any Prize with Two Numbers
The odds of matching the Mega Ball only are approximately 1 in 37, while the odds of matching one white ball plus the Mega Ball are roughly 1 in 141, based on the current Mega Millions odds published by the lottery. Matching two white balls without the Mega Ball does not produce a winning prize tier, so it is not counted in the overall odds of winning a prize. The overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions are about 1 in 24, but this includes higher tiers such as matching three, four, or five numbers. For detailed odds and prize breakdowns, refer to the official Mega Millions odds page at megamillions.com/winning/odds.
Mega Millions uses two number pools: white balls numbered 1 through 70 and a gold Mega Ball numbered 1 through 25. The jackpot requires matching all five white balls in any order plus the Mega Ball, with odds of about 1 in 302.6 million. Lower tiers offer fixed cash prizes, and the second-tier prize for matching five white balls without the Mega Ball is $1 million, or $10 million if the Megaplier option was activated. The Megaplier is an optional add-on that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5, depending on the multiplier drawn.
How to Claim a Small Mega Millions Prize
Winners of the $2 prize for matching only the Mega Ball or one white ball plus the Mega Ball can typically claim their prize at any authorized Mega Millions retailer in the state where the ticket was purchased, provided the prize amount is within the retailer's payout limit. For prizes above the retailer's limit or for larger prizes, winners must claim at a state lottery office or by mail, following the specific procedures outlined by the state lottery agency. The claim period varies by state, commonly ranging from 90 days to one year from the drawing date. To find your state's claim rules and deadlines, visit the official Mega Millions claim information page at megamillions.com/winning/how-to-claim.
Mega Millions prizes are subject to federal and, in most cases, state income tax withholding. For non-jackpot prizes, federal tax is generally withheld at a rate of 24 percent for U.S. citizens and resident aliens, while state tax rates vary. Winners are advised to keep the signed ticket in a safe place and contact the state lottery directly for guidance on tax forms and payment options. The Multi-State Lottery Association provides official resources and links to participating