Originally known as The Big Game, the Mega Millions has expanded further to include many more states as well as an extra draw day. On the 22nd of October 2013, the format of the game was changed allowing players to choose 5 numbers from 1 to 75 (white balls) and 1 number from 1 to 15 (Mega ball, the Golden colored). By matching all the 6 drawn lottery numbers, the lucky winner gets to walk away with the jackpot.
Over the years, Mega Millions has become one of the most popular lotteries in the world with jackpots that often soar well above US$100 Million. On the 30th of March 2012, three winning ticket holders shared a US$656 million jackpot; which was the largest payout in the history of weekly lotteries. In addition to the jackpot, Mega Millions Lottery has 9 different levels of prizes, which offers players many chances to win.
Playing the Mega Millions
After buying the ticket lottery and picking out the numbers, players can find out if they won by watching Mega Millions draws, which take place on Tuesday and Friday at 23:00 EST. For the lucky winner (s) there are is a cash or annuity prize option. With the annuity option, the winner receives annual payments over a period of 30 years. However, the winner is subject to the federal and applicable state taxes in both cases.
The following represents the Mega Millions Prize Structure
Normal numbers (white balls) (1-75)
|
Mega ball (1- 15) (Golden colored)
|
Prize
|
5
|
1
|
Jackpot (with a minimum being US$15
million)
|
5
|
0
|
$1,000,000
|
4
|
1
|
$5,000
|
4
|
0
|
$500
|
3
|
1
|
$50
|
3
|
0
|
$5
|
2
|
1
|
$5
|
1
|
1
|
$1
|
0
|
1
|
$1
|
Buying official Mega Millions Lottery Online
For those who may not be in the United States, Mega Millions Lottery offers a chance for any willing participant to buy lottery tickets online.
Although there are a number of legitimate websites that sell lottery tickets, it is important for participants to ensure that they are reputable sources. After placing the order, a confirmation email is sent to the participant. The local office then buys a ticket (s) for the online participant and sends a scanned copy directly to their email. For security purposes, the original ticket is stored in a security deposit box by Mega Millions auditors.
Deadline for buying the ticket (s)
For all participants, the deadline for purchasing the ticket is about 5 hours before the draw. Participants can look at the time left on the Mega Millions website so as to ensure they have enough time to participate.
Although all results are displayed on the website after the draw, winners of major prizes are contacted directly through their emails.
Whereas prizes worth up to $2,500 may be paid directly into the participant’s account, second place prizes and the jackpot prizes may need to be collected in person.
