The Mega Millions lottery revealed its winning numbers for the Tuesday, March 31, 2026, drawing: 18, 35, 45, 60, 65, with Mega Ball 17. This $80 million jackpot, carrying a cash option of $35.6 million, followed the last win of $60 million in Ohio on March 17. Players across 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands now check tickets amid heightened interest, as the Powerball jackpot simultaneously climbs to $194 million with an $87.1 million cash value.

Recent Changes Reshape Gameplay and Prizes

Mega Millions underwent major updates on April 8, 2025, raising ticket prices to $5 while adding a built-in multiplier that can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24, or opt for a Quick Pick. Matching just the Mega Ball secures at least $10, while five white balls yield a minimum $2 million—except in California—highlighting the game's appeal beyond the headline jackpot.

Purchase Options and State Variations

Tickets sell at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, with some airports offering them too. Online access through Jackpocket operates in states including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, and others up to West Virginia, allowing digital selection, purchase, and prize collection. Deadlines vary by state, often 15 minutes to hours before the 11 p.m. ET draw; third-party apps like Jackpocket in New Jersey cut off at 9:15 p.m.

Odds, Payout Choices, and Historic Scale

Jackpot odds stand at 290,472,336 to 1, underscoring the slim chances despite the thrill. Winners choose between annuity payments—starting immediately then 29 annual increases of 5%—or the lump-sum cash option, which pays less upfront but arrives instantly. Anonymity protects winners in states like New Jersey, unlike others where identities become public. The $80 million pales against records like the $1.602 billion Mega Millions win in Florida or the $2.04 billion Powerball in California, yet each drawing fuels national anticipation.