The Mega Millions lottery is a popular multi-state lottery game in the United States. Mega Millions tickets can be purchased in 45 states, including Florida. The jackpot starts at $20 million and can grow to over $1 billion if there is no winner. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about how to buy a Mega Millions ticket in Florida.
Mega Millions Lottery Overview
Mega Millions is drawn on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 pm EST. To play, you need to pick five main numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. The cost of a Mega Millions ticket in Florida is $2 per play. You can buy tickets until 10 pm EST on the night of the drawing at authorized retailers.
There are nine ways to win a prize in Mega Millions:
- Match the 5 main numbers + Mega Ball – Jackpot
- Match the 5 main numbers (no Mega Ball) – $1 million
- Match 4 main numbers + Mega Ball – $10,000
- Match 4 main numbers (no Mega Ball) – $500
- Match 3 main numbers + Mega Ball – $200
- Match 3 main numbers (no Mega Ball) – $10
- Match 2 main numbers + Mega Ball – $10
- Match 1 main number + Mega Ball – $4
- Match Mega Ball only – $2
The jackpot starts at $20 million and keeps growing each drawing until there is a winner. Jackpots have climbed as high as $1.05 billion in the past! Mega Millions has produced over 500 jackpot winners since it began in 2002.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets in Florida
Mega Millions tickets can be purchased from licensed retailers across Florida. Some places you can buy tickets include:
- Convenience stores
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Supermarkets
- Newsstands
- Drug stores
- Lottery vending machines
- Online – Via the Florida Lottery website or mobile app
Look for licensed retailers displaying the Mega Millions logo in their windows. They will have Mega Millions play slips and can process ticket purchases. You can find authorized retailers in your area by searching the Florida Lottery retailer locator.
How to Choose Numbers
When playing Mega Millions, you need to pick 5 main numbers between 1 and 70, and 1 Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. You have a couple options to pick your numbers:
- Quick Pick: Have the lottery terminal randomly assign numbers to your ticket. Just tell the retailer you want a Quick Pick Mega Millions ticket.
- Manual Selection: Choose your own numbers by marking a play slip with your picks. Play slips are available at all retailers. Carefully mark 5 main numbers and 1 Mega Ball number. Be sure to double check your selections!
Some people use special numbers like birthdays, anniversaries, ages of loved ones, etc. Others prefer random Quick Pick numbers. There is no strategy to picking winning numbers, as all combinations have an equal chance of being selected. How you pick comes down to personal preference!
How to Fill Out a Play Slip
If you want to choose your own numbers instead of getting a Quick Pick, you will need to fill out a Mega Millions play slip. Here are the steps:
- Ask the retailer for a Mega Millions play slip. You’ll find them on the counter or lottery vending machine.
- Mark 5 different main numbers between 1-70 in the top grid. No repeating numbers are allowed.
- Mark 1 Mega Ball number between 1-25 in the bottom grid.
- Select the number of draws you want to play. You can play up to 10 consecutive draws.
- Select whether you want to add the Megaplier option for an extra $1. Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x or 5x.
- Take the completed play slip to the retailer and pay for your ticket.
Be sure to double check that your numbers are marked clearly. If you make a mistake, ask for a new play slip. Never use erasers or correcting fluid on play slips.
Buying Tickets Online in Florida
The Florida Lottery website and mobile app offers the convenience of buying Mega Millions tickets online. To purchase online:
- Create an account at flalottery.com or download the app.
- Deposit funds into your online lottery account.
- On the Mega Millions page, choose your numbers and number of draws.
- Add Megaplier if desired.
- Complete transaction to have ticket purchase processed.
Your ticket will be generated and displayed on your account. You will receive email confirmation with ticket details and redemption code. Tickets purchased online can be entered into drawings or claimed as winners just like retail tickets. You must be at least 18 to play.
Buying Tickets by Phone
In Florida, you can buy lottery tickets by calling the automated ticket purchasing hotline at (850) 921-PLAY. To purchase Mega Millions tickets by phone:
- Set up an account with the Florida Lottery.
- Fund your account.
- Call the Play by Phone service.
- Follow the prompts to purchase Mega Millions tickets using your account.
- Confirm ticket details for the number of draws you want.
Your ticket will be generated automatically based on your phone order. You will receive a redemption code to claim any prizes won. The Play by Phone service is available 24/7.
Mega Millions Ticket Cost
A single Mega Millions ticket costs $2 to play. You can add the following options for an additional cost per play:
| Mega Millions Options | Add. Cost |
|---|---|
| Megaplier | $1 |
| Multiple Draws | $2 per play per draw |
Megaplier increases non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x or 5x. It costs $1 extra per play to add. Play up to 10 consecutive draws in advance.
For example, a $2 base Mega Millions play with Megaplier for 5 draws would cost $11 total ($2 base + $1 Megaplier x 5 draws). Retailers can process ticket purchases up to $50 per transaction.
Mega Millions Ticket Checkers
Once you buy your Mega Millions ticket, you will want to check to make sure the numbers and options on your ticket are correct. Always use lottery ticket checkers to verify your tickets after purchase. There are a few ways to check:
- Retail – Most retailers have ticket checkers near the counter. Scan your ticket barcode to display the selected numbers.
- Mobile App – Use the Florida Lottery app’s ticket scanner to check tickets.
- Website – Log into your account on flalottery.com to view tickets.
- Customer Service – Call the Florida Lottery at 1-800-937-8946 to check ticket details.
If there is ever a discrepancy between what is on your ticket and what prints from the terminal, immediately contact the Florida Lottery. Tickets are the only valid receipt for claiming prizes.
Claiming Mega Millions Prizes
If you win a prize in Mega Millions, here is how to claim:
- $600 or Less – You can cash winning tickets at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer. Retailers can pay prizes up to $600.
- $601 to $250,000 – Claim at your nearest Lottery district office. Bring a photo ID and your winning ticket.
- $250,001 or More – Must be claimed at Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee. Call to make an appointment.
You have 180 days from the valid drawing date to claim prizes in Florida. Be sure to sign the back of your winning ticket and store it in a safe place until ready to redeem.
If playing Mega Millions online, winnings are automatically credited to your account. Prizes over $600 will need to follow the claims process above with the redemption code provided.
Mega Millions Statistics and Odds
Review these Mega Millions statistics and odds to know what your chances are in the game:
| Prize | Odds (1 in…) |
|---|---|
| Jackpot | 302,575,350 |
| $1 Million | 12,607,306 |
| $10,000 | 931,001 |
| $500 | 38,792 |
| $200 | 14,547 |
| $10 | 606 |
| $10 | 693 |
| $4 | 89 |
| $2 | 37 |
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24. Matching the Mega Ball increases your chances. The jackpot has long odds but life-changing rewards! State and federal taxes apply to prizes, except in Florida which has no state tax.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions
Use these tips to maximize your Mega Millions experience:
- Check Drawings – Watch drawings online or on TV to check winning numbers.
- Join a Pool – Pool money with friends or coworkers to buy more tickets.
- Use Birthdays – Use lucky numbers like birthdays or anniversaries.
- Get Random Numbers – Let the lottery terminal or quick pick generate random numbers.
- Buy Early – Avoid lines and ticket rushes by buying tickets early.
- Sign Tickets – Immediately sign the back of tickets after purchase.
- Double Check – Use a ticket checker to double check tickets for accuracy.
- Check Results – Always check drawing results to see if you won.
- Play Responsibly – Only spend what you can afford on entertainment.
Follow these tips and enjoy playing Mega Millions! Who knows, you just might win a huge jackpot.
Mega Millions FAQs
How much do Mega Millions tickets cost in Florida?
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play in Florida. You can add Megaplier for $1 more per play.
What days are Mega Millions drawings held?
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11:00 pm Eastern Time.
What are the biggest Mega Millions jackpots won?
The largest Mega Millions jackpot was $1.537 billion won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018. The second biggest was $1.05 billion won in Michigan on January 22, 2021.
What is the deadline to buy Mega Millions tickets in Florida?
You can buy Mega Millions tickets in Florida until 10:00 pm ET on the evening of the drawing. Make sure to buy before the cutoff!
How long do you have to claim Mega Millions prizes in Florida?
For Mega Millions prizes won in Florida, you have 180 days from the valid draw date to claim the money.
What are the odds of winning Mega Millions?
The overall odds of winning a Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24. The odds of matching the jackpot are 1 in 302 million.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in Florida?
Yes, the Florida Lottery website and app allows you to conveniently purchase Mega Millions tickets online 24/7.
Are Mega Millions payouts taxed in Florida?
No, lottery winnings are not taxed in Florida. However, the top prize is subject to a 25% federal tax withholding.
Conclusion
Now you know all about how to play Mega Millions in Florida! Just visit an authorized lottery retailer, select your numbers manually or via Quick Pick, purchase your ticket for $2 per play, and check for winning numbers. With huge jackpots up for grabs, Mega Millions offers an exciting chance at life-changing riches. Good luck and play responsibly!
