CA Mega Millions Winning Numbers

FAQs about California Lotto Mega Millions

• Where is the Mega Millions drawing held?

  The winning Mega Millions numbers are drawn in Atlanta, Georgia. Watch past Mega Millions draws online here: Mega Millions Past Drawings

• Can the Megaball number be the same as one of the five white ball numbers?

  Yes, the Megaball number could be the same as one of the five white ball numbers because they are drawn from separate sets of balls.

• Is it better to pick my own numbers or to request a Quick Pick?

  The odds of winning are the same whether you pick your own numbers or let the terminal select them for you.

• How does the Megaplier work?

  Megaplier can be added to any Mega Millions play as an option to increase non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. During the Megaplier drawing, a multiplier of 2, 3, 4 or 5 is randomly selected.

• Where can Mega Millions Lotto be played?

  Mega Millions is available in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands.

• How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?

  Mega Millions tickets cost $2 each, and the Megaplier option costs an additional $1.

• Can I buy Mega Millions tickets in advance?

  To participate in multiple draws, request up to 10 Multi Draws on the playslip or at the retailer. Multi Draws will include the next upcoming draw and be consecutive from that draw. Draws can’t be skipped.

• Can a Mega Millions ticket be voided or refunded?

  No. Mega Millions tickets cannot be canceled once they have been printed.

• Is it possible to buy Mega Millions tickets online or by mail in California?

  No. Tickets for Mega Millions must be purchased from a licensed CA Lottery retailer.

• Do California Mega Millions tickets expire?

  A prize must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date on which it was won.

• Must I match the numbers exactly in the order drawn?

  No. The order in which the five white balls are drawn does not matter, but the Megaball must match the Megaball number on the ticket.

• Can I redeem my Mega Millions winning ticket in any state?

  Although the winning numbers are the same in all Mega Millions states, a ticket must be redeemed in the state where it was purchased.

• I lost my ticket. Can I claim a prize using a store receipt or play slip?

  Only Mega Millions tickets printed from lottery terminals can be claimed as prizes. Purchase receipts or play slips will not be accepted as proof of purchase.

  A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument, which means the person presenting it for claim is presumed to be its owner. It is always a good idea to sign the back of lottery tickets as soon as possible. If you lose a ticket before signing it, you no longer own it.

• Why are the odds of winning with just the Megaball not 1 to 25 when it is drawn from a set of 25 balls?

  There is a 1 in 37 chance of matching just the Megaball and winning the $2 prize because the odds are a combination of 1.) matching the Megaball and 2.) not matching any of the white ball numbers. The odds of matching the Megaball and one white ball are 1 in 89.

• In California, can Group Play and Multiple Ownership claims be filed?

  Yes.  Multiple Mega Millions claims can be made by up to 100 people.

• What happens when more than one person wins the Mega Millions jackpot?

  If more than one jackpot-winning ticket is sold, the prize is split equally among the winners, known as pari mutuel.

• Why does a jackpot winner receive less than the advertised jackpot?

  The advertised jackpot is the total amount won if a winner chooses an annuity over 30 annual payments (29 years). Although there is less cash on hand, the advertised jackpot is what the cash on hand would total if invested over 29 years. In the case of a lump sum, the player does not receive the interest that the cash on hand would have earned over 29 years. Applicable withholding taxes will also be deducted.

• What happens if the jackpot isn’t claimed?

  The jackpot funds will be returned to the states based on the percentages of the sales that contributed to that jackpot if the jackpot is not claimed within the time frame set by the jurisdiction where it was won.

• If a prizewinning annuity winner dies, what happens?

  The annual prize payments can continue to be paid to the winner’s heirs or the annuity can be cashed out by the estate.