The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest multi-state lottery games in the United States. It is played in 45 states, including Texas, as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Mega Millions jackpots start at $40 million and roll over if there is no jackpot winner, making the top prize climb into the hundreds of millions.
The Texas Lottery offers Mega Millions tickets with drawings held every Tuesday and Friday evenings at 10:00 p.m. CT. When playing Mega Millions in Texas, you have several ways to check the winning numbers and see if your ticket is a winner.
How to Play Mega Millions in Texas
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play in Texas. To play, you first select five main numbers between 1 and 70. You then choose one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25.
There are nine prize tiers in Mega Millions, ranging from $2 for matching the Mega Ball up to the jackpot for matching all six numbers. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot are around 1 in 302 million.
When you buy a Mega Millions ticket in Texas, you have a choice between taking a cash option or an annuity. The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment equal to the jackpot prize pool. The annuity is paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments over 29 years. Most jackpot winners opt for the cash option.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets in Texas
You can purchase Mega Millions tickets at more than 21,000 Texas Lottery retailers around the state. Most large grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores sell the tickets. You can also buy Mega Millions tickets online through the Texas Lottery website or mobile app as long as you are located within Texas state lines when making the purchase.
When you buy a ticket in person, the retailer terminal will automatically print your ticket with your numbers once you make your selections and pay. The ticket is your proof of entry and must be presented to claim any prizes. Make sure to sign the back of your printed ticket for security purposes.
If you buy online, you will receive an electronic ticket rather than a printed slip. You will get an email confirmation with a list of your chosen numbers. Print or take a screenshot of this receipt for your records.
Check Mega Millions Results in Texas
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 10 p.m. CT. Here are some ways you can check the winning numbers:
Texas Lottery Website
The easiest way to see the Mega Millions results is through the Texas Lottery’s official website txlottery.org. The homepage will display a scrolling banner with the latest Mega Millions numbers drawn. You can also go to the Mega Millions homepage to review the winning numbers, Mega Ball, Megaplier (if played), jackpot amount, number of winners, and next estimated jackpot.
Texas Lottery Mobile App
Download the Texas Lottery App on iOS or Android devices to conveniently check Mega Millions results. Open the app and go to the Mega Millions section to see the latest numbers and jackpot information. You can also scan your tickets directly in the app to get instant prize verification.
Lottery Retailers
Most lottery retailers have display monitors in their stores that will show the latest Mega Millions numbers and winners. You can check these screens to see the results. Some retailers also print and display the winning numbers near the lottery ticket sales terminals.
Newspapers
Many local newspapers publish the Mega Millions numbers the day after the drawing. Check your area paper or visit their website to find the winning numbers printed.
Television News Broadcasts
Local television news stations will typically air the Mega Millions numbers during their nightly news program. Tune in to get the Mega Millions results reported live on the evening of the drawing.
Radio
Some radio stations may announce the latest Mega Millions numbers during their programming. Scan local stations the day after the drawing to catch the winning numbers.
Mega Millions Website
You can always find the results directly from the Mega Millions website at megamillions.com. The homepage displays the most recent drawing information and numbers. You can also look up past winning numbers by date.
How to Claim Mega Millions Prizes in Texas
If you match any of the winning Mega Millions numbers, you’ll want to claim your prize. Here is how you can redeem Mega Millions prizes in Texas:
$2 to $5,000 Prizes
For Mega Millions prizes under $5,001, you can cash your winning ticket at any authorized Texas Lottery retailer. Retailers can pay prizes up to $599. Prizes between $600 and $5,000 will require the retailer to file a claim on your behalf in order to receive payment. You will then get a check by mail.
Prizes Over $5,000
Larger Mega Millions prizes of $5,001 or more must be claimed at one of the Texas Lottery claim centers. You will want to sign the winning ticket for security and make copies for your records. You have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim your prize.
Bring your original ticket and valid photo ID to the nearest claim center. You will complete a claim form and the lottery will verify your win. For very large jackpot wins, you may want to consult with a financial advisor and lawyer before proceeding.
By Mail
You can claim prizes through the mail for winning tickets up to $1 million. Complete a claim form and mail the original signed ticket to:
Texas Lottery Commission
PO Box 16600
Austin, TX 78761-6600
Include copies of your photo ID and Social Security number. Prizes over $599 will be paid by check in 4-6 weeks.
Claim Period
There is a 180 day window from the date of the drawing to claim Mega Millions prizes in Texas. If the 180th day falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the close of business on the next business day. Unclaimed prizes go to the state for programs authorized by the Texas Legislature.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions
Use the following tips to make the most of your Mega Millions play:
Check Your Ticket
Be sure to check your Mega Millions ticket as soon as possible after the drawing to verify whether you have won a prize. Matching just the Mega Ball can win you $2, while the jackpot is won for matching all six numbers. It is easy to overlook a smaller prize, so double-check your numbers.
Play Multiple Tickets
While there is no guarantee in winning the jackpot, having several different number combinations can increase your overall chances. Buy tickets with different number sets to give you more coverage. You could always join an office or pool to purchase more tickets and split any potential prizes.
Use Quick Pick
The Quick Pick option randomly assigns your numbers rather than picking them manually. While either has the same odds, using Quick Pick ensures your numbers are truly random each time you play. Quick Pick also helps avoid duplicate number situations if you play multiple tickets.
Mix Up Your Numbers
If you select your own numbers, make sure to vary the combination each time. Choosing all sequential or repeat numbers decreases your chances of hitting the Jackpot. Mix up high, low, odd, and even digits for better coverage. You could consider using important dates, but shuffle the order.
Purchase the Megaplier
For an extra $1 per Mega Millions play, you can add the Megaplier option which multiples any prize (except the jackpot) by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times. This can significantly boost your secondary prize winnings, though the Megaplier number is drawn randomly.
Texas Mega Millions History and Winners
Texas joined Mega Millions in 2003 shortly after the game began in 2002 as The Big Game. Here are some highlights from the Texas Mega Millions game:
Largest Texas Mega Millions Jackpots
| Amount | Date | Winning Numbers |
| $227 million | Sept 15, 2020 | 5-9-15-29-42 MB: 17 |
| $214 million | May 29, 2004 | 5-14-36-41-46 MB: 5 |
| $189 million | Oct 4, 2016 | 20-26-32-38-48 MB: 3 |
The biggest Mega Millions jackpot won in Texas was $227 million on September 15, 2020. The two runners up were $214 million and $189 million won in 2004 and 2016 respectively. All three jackpots were claimed as cash options.
Number of Texas Jackpot Winners
Only three Mega Millions jackpots have ever been hit by someone purchasing a ticket in Texas over the history of the game. This includes the $227 million prize won in 2020. The Mega Millions record jackpot is $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
Biggest Cash Payout in Texas
For the $227 million Texas Mega Millions jackpot in 2020, the cash payout option was actually $157 million before taxes. This remains the largest lottery cash prize ever awarded to a single Texas ticket holder.
Record U.S. Jackpot
The current Mega Millions record jackpot of $1.537 billion was hit on October 23, 2018. It was claimed by the holder of a single ticket purchased in South Carolina. This win marked not only the biggest Mega Millions prize but the largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever awarded to a single player.
Mega Millions Changes
When Mega Millions began in 2002 as The Big Game, players chose 5 numbers from 52. This changed to 5 of 56 when Mega Millions launched in May 2002. The field increased again to 5 of 70 in October 2017. The starting jackpot also rose from $15 million to $40 million in October 2017.
Odds of Winning Mega Millions
The overall odds of winning a Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24. This table shows a full breakdown of the different prize tiers and odds:
| Match | Odds | Prize |
| 5 numbers + MB | 1 in 302,575,350 | Jackpot |
| 5 numbers | 1 in 12,607,306 | $1 million |
| 4 numbers + MB | 1 in 931,001 | $10,000 |
| 4 numbers | 1 in 38,792 | $500 |
| 3 numbers + MB | 1 in 14,547 | $150 |
| 3 numbers | 1 in 606 | $10 |
| 2 numbers + MB | 1 in 693 | $10 |
| 1 number + MB | 1 in 89 | $4 |
| 0 numbers + MB | 1 in 37 | $2 |
As you can see, the odds are quite low for winning the top prize, though secondary tier prizes have more reasonable chances. The $1 million prize for matching 5 numbers has better than 1 in 12 million odds.
Should You Play Mega Millions?
Playing the lottery is strictly for entertainment, with no guarantees. But Mega Millions offers the chance to play for multi-million jackpots twice a week. For $2, it can be fun to dream about winning big. But only spend what you can comfortably afford to lose and never count on hitting the jackpot.
Conclusion
The Texas Mega Millions game gives residents two chances every week to try for a massive lottery jackpot. Mega Millions can produce nine-figure top prizes that roll over again and again. Even without the jackpot, there are secondary prizes worth $10,000 up to $1 million.
To play Mega Millions in Texas, visit any Texas Lottery retailer, the Lottery website, or mobile app. Pick five numbers 1-70 and one Mega Ball 1-25 or use Quick Pick. Be sure to check the winning numbers after each drawing on Tuesday and Friday nights. You can conveniently view the results online, through the mobile app or at lottery retailers.
If you match enough numbers to win a prize, you can redeem under $5,000 at retailers or claim larger prizes at Lottery claim centers. Playing responsibly within a budget allows you to enjoy Mega Millions as entertainment and the thrill of a huge jackpot chase.
