Yes, Mega Millions lottery tickets can be purchased in the state of California. The Mega Millions game is available in 45 states across the United States, including California. Mega Millions is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association and drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening.
Playing Mega Millions in California
To play Mega Millions in California, you must be at least 18 years old. Tickets can be purchased at licensed lottery retailers across the state. Some of the most common places to buy Mega Millions tickets are gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacy counters.
You can choose to buy a Mega Millions ticket for the next upcoming drawing or play numerous consecutive drawings in advance using the multi-draw or subscription options offered. The current cost for a Mega Millions ticket in California is $2 per play.
Each play on a Mega Millions ticket consists of 5 numbers between 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball number between 1-25. You can either select your own numbers using a playslip or go with a quick pick and have the terminal randomly generate the numbers for you.
To win the Mega Millions jackpot, you must match all 5 main numbers and the Mega Ball number. The starting guaranteed jackpot amount is $40 million and continues rolling over if there is no grand prize winner. Jackpots can grow into the hundreds of millions of dollars before a winning ticket is sold.
Mega Millions Drawings
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET (8pm PT in California). At each drawing, 5 white balls numbered 1-70 are drawn as well as the Mega Ball numbered 1-25. The drawings take place at the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia and are supervised by certified public accountants.
To view the Mega Millions drawing results, you can check your ticket at a California lottery retailer, use the California Lottery mobile app, visit the Lottery’s website, watch the drawing on television, or check newspaper listings. Make sure to check your ticket numbers carefully against the drawing results to verify if you have won a prize.
Mega Millions Prizes in California
In California, you can win the following prizes playing Mega Millions:
- Match 5 numbers + Mega Ball – Jackpot
- Match 5 numbers (no Mega Ball) – $1,000,000
- Match 4 numbers + Mega Ball – $10,000
- Match 4 numbers (no Mega Ball) – $500
- Match 3 numbers + Mega Ball – $200
- Match 3 numbers (no Mega Ball) – $10
- Match 2 numbers + Mega Ball – $10
- Match 1 number + Mega Ball – $4
- Match 0 numbers + Mega Ball – $2
The Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and rolls over each drawing until there is a grand prize winner. The overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions (across all prize tiers) are 1 in 24.
Some of the biggest Mega Millions jackpots won in California include:
- $316 million – Won on November 4, 2014 in San Jose
- $228 million- Won on March 27, 2007 in Riverside
- $224 million – Won on May 17, 2019 in San Diego
Claiming Mega Millions Prizes
For prizes under $600, you can cash in your winning Mega Millions ticket at any California Lottery retailer. Prizes $600 and over need to be claimed at one of the Lottery’s District Offices or by mail. Here are some key points for claiming Mega Millions prizes in California:
- Prizes of $600 or less can be claimed at any California Lottery retail location. You’ll need to complete a claim form and provide photo ID.
- For prizes between $601 and $50,000, you can mail in your signed winning ticket or claim it at a District Office. Appointment may be required.
- Jackpot and grand prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at a District Office. Appointment is recommended.
- For mailed claims, include a completed claim form, winning ticket, and photocopy of ID. Send via certified mail.
- All Mega Millions prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the date of the drawing.
- Tickets purchased in California must be claimed there. Tickets bought in other states must be claimed in those jurisdictions.
Be sure to fill out the back of your winning ticket and sign it right away. Store tickets in a safe place until ready to claim. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced or reissued.
Mega Millions Statistics and Odds
When playing the lottery, it’s good to understand your chances of winning. Here are some Mega Millions odds and statistics:
- Odds of winning Mega Millions jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350
- Overall odds of winning any prize: 1 in 24
- Odds of winning $1 million prize (Match 5 with no Mega Ball): 1 in 12,607,306
- Total Mega Millions jackpots awarded since 2002: 437 (as of October 2021)
- Biggest Mega Millions jackpot: $1.537 billion on October 23, 2018
- Total Mega Millions jackpots won in California: 11 (since 2002)
- Most common Mega Millions numbers drawn: 17, 10, 31, 4, 7
- Most common Mega Ball numbers drawn: 3, 7, 5, 2, 11
Playing the same set of numbers can increase your familiarity with them, but does not actually improve your chances of winning. All number combinations have exactly the same odds each drawing.
Unclaimed Mega Millions Prizes
With so much money up for grabs, you’d assume every Mega Millions winner would quickly come forward to claim their prize. However, each year millions of dollars in lottery prizes go unclaimed.
According to the California Lottery, more than $225 million in winning tickets across all games went unclaimed in fiscal year 2020-21. For Mega Millions specifically, around $4 million in prizes have gone unclaimed in California since 2002.
The most common reasons winning lottery tickets go unclaimed include:
- Players misplace or accidentally throw away tickets.
- Players don’t check tickets after hearing initial jackpot was not won.
- Tickets get lost while being transferred between family or friends.
- People don’t know they can claim expired tickets within the required timeframes.
- Winning tickets are never purchased because number combinations are never played.
To avoid missing out on a forgotten prize, sign all lottery tickets immediately after purchase and keep them in a safe place you can regularly check. Always check your numbers after a drawing regardless if the jackpot was hit. And remember to claim your prizes within the specified time limits.
Buying Mega Millions Tickets Online
While you cannot legally purchase Mega Millions tickets online in California, some subscription services let you conveniently play and manage lottery tickets online.
With services like Jackpocket and Lottery.com, users can place ticket orders on a mobile app which are then purchased on your behalf at licensed retail locations. The courier service retrieves, scans, and uploads the ticket images to your account.
Although convenient, be aware these third-party lottery services come with fees and additional terms and conditions. By law, a physical ticket is still required to claim any prizes. The lottery itself does not offer any online sales directly to consumers.
Lottery Proceeds in California
In California, the lottery is not merely a recreational game but an important source of government revenue and economic benefit. Here is how lottery proceeds are distributed in the state:
- 50% to public education – K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and other educational entities.
- 34% to prizes
- 13% to retailer commissions and bonuses
- 3% to Lottery administrative expenses
Since inception in 1984, the California Lottery has provided over $39 billion to public schools and colleges. These funds support important education programs and services statewide.
Lottery revenue also supports local business, with over 23,000 retailers earning commissions and bonuses on ticket sales. Many retailers use this added income to expand goods and services at their businesses.
While playing responsibly, you can feel good about participating in the Mega Millions game knowing it supports vital public education and businesses in California.
Responsible Mega Millions Play
Playing the lottery is meant to be fun, but remember to always play responsibly. Here are some tips:
- Only use discretionary income for lottery tickets, not rent or grocery money.
- Those under 18 years old are prohibited from playing.
- Play within set budgets and avoid chasing losses.
- Balance lottery play with other recreational activities.
- Don’t play while impaired or make lottery decisions based on emotions.
- Never borrow money or use credit to play the lottery.
- Know the warning signs of problem gambling and seek help if needed.
The California Lottery offers resources and information about responsible play on its website. Speaking with a financial advisor can also help manage healthy spending habits.
Other California Lottery Games
In addition to Mega Millions, the California Lottery offers these other lottery games to play:
- Powerball – Play Wednesday and Saturday nights for jackpots starting at $20 million. Tickets are $2 each.
- SuperLotto Plus – Drawings held Wednesday and Saturday evenings with minimum jackpot of $7 million. Ticket cost is $1 per play.
- Fantasy 5 – Daily game with top prize of over $100,000. Match 5 of 41 numbers. Tickets cost $1 each.
- Daily 3 – Pick 3 numbers between 0-9. Drawings twice daily. Ticket prices start from 50 cents.
- Daily Derby – Pick 3 horse names to match race order. Tickets start at $2.
- Scratchers – Instant win tickets with prizes from $1 up to $5 million.
Check the California Lottery website for the full range of game profiles, rules, number statistics, and winning stories. Play responsibly and best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about playing Mega Millions in California:
Can I buy Mega Millions tickets online in California?
No, Mega Millions tickets cannot be purchased directly online in California. You need to buy physical tickets from authorized lottery retailers in the state. Some third-party courier services let you order tickets online for an additional fee.
What days are the Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11:00 pm ET (8:00 pm PT in California).
How long do I have to claim my prize if I win Mega Millions?
You have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim Mega Millions prizes in California. Jackpot and grand prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person.
What happens to unclaimed Mega Millions prizes?
Unclaimed Mega Millions prizes remain in the prize pool for future games in California. By law, the money never reverts to any other fund or use.
What are my odds of winning Mega Millions?
Your overall odds are 1 in 24 of winning any Mega Millions prize. The odds for matching all 5 numbers and the Mega Ball to win the jackpot are around 1 in 302 million.
Where does the Mega Millions revenue go in California?
Lottery proceeds in California support public education, retailer commissions, and administrative expenses. Since 1984, over $39 billion has gone to schools and colleges.
Can I anonymously claim a Mega Millions prize?
Yes, California allows lottery winners to remain anonymous for Mega Millions prizes. You can opt to not have your name and photo publicized.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions lottery offers exciting jackpots and secondary prizes that can completely change your life. With drawings twice weekly, players in California get frequent opportunities to play for the chance to win big! Just remember to always purchase official Mega Millions tickets from authorized retailers within the state and play responsibly.
Matching all 5 white balls and the yellow Mega Ball may be unlikely, but someone has to win. Will the next multi-million dollar Mega Millions jackpot winner be you? Get your tickets and find out!