The Mega Millions is one of the two major multi-state lottery games in the United States, along with Powerball. Mega Millions is played in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association. Wisconsin has been a member of the Mega Millions consortium since 2010.
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday evening at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. At each drawing, five white balls numbered 1 through 70 and one gold Mega Ball numbered 1 through 25 are drawn. To win the Mega Millions jackpot, players must match all six numbers. Lesser prizes are awarded for matching some but not all six numbers.
The current Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and continues growing until a lucky player wins the grand prize. Jackpots can roll over for months or even years before someone hits the magic six-number combination. Mega Millions holds the record for the second largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history at $1.537 billion, won in South Carolina on October 23, 2018.
Playing Mega Millions is easy, as long as you meet the minimum requirements:
Requirements to Play Mega Millions in Wisconsin
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a Mega Millions ticket in Wisconsin.
- You must be physically located in Wisconsin at the time of ticket purchase. Mega Millions tickets cannot be purchased online or by phone across state lines.
- Tickets must be purchased from an authorized Wisconsin Lottery retailer. Tickets cannot be purchased from unauthorized resellers or retailers located in other states.
As long as you meet these simple requirements, you’re ready to try your luck playing Mega Millions in Wisconsin. Keep reading to learn step-by-step how to purchase official Mega Millions tickets within the state.
Step 1: Find an Authorized Wisconsin Mega Millions Retailer
Mega Millions tickets can only be purchased from brick-and-mortar retailers licensed by the Wisconsin Lottery. There are over 3,000 authorized lottery retailers located throughout Wisconsin. Common lottery retailer locations include:
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Tobacco shops
- Pharmacies
- Big box stores like Walmart and Target
Look for the official Wisconsin Lottery logo and “Official Lottery Retailer” signage posted up in the store. This is visible proof that the location is authorized to sell real lottery tickets.
You can also use the Wisconsin Lottery retailer locator online to find Mega Millions retailers near you. Just enter your city or ZIP code at this link to pull up a list of authorized lottery ticket sellers in your area.
Types of Authorized Mega Millions Retailers in Wisconsin
There are two types of authorized Mega Millions retailers in Wisconsin:
Full-Service Retailers – Allow players to purchase tickets at the checkout counter, view drawings, and redeem winning tickets up to $600.
Self-Service Retailers – Offer lottery ticket vending machines for self-service ticket purchases. Winning tickets up to $600 can be redeemed at the checkout counter.
As long as the business is authorized by the Wisconsin Lottery, you can legally purchase Mega Millions tickets there. Keep in mind self-service retailers will not allow you to purchase tickets directly from a cashier. You’ll need to use the ticket vending machines instead.
Step 2: Select Your Mega Millions Numbers
Once you’ve located an authorized Mega Millions retailer, the next step is to select the numbers you want to play on your ticket. You must choose six numbers in total:
- 5 main numbers between 1-70
- 1 Mega Ball number between 1-25
The 5 main numbers can be any combination of 1 through 70. The Mega Ball number must be chosen from 1 to 25. You cannot select the same number twice.
There are a few different ways to pick your numbers:
Quick Pick
This is the quickest way to play. Simply ask the retailer for a Quick Pick Mega Millions ticket. The lottery terminal will randomly generate your 5 main numbers and Mega Ball number for you. This option entirely skips the number selection process!
Your Own Numbers
You can select your own winning number combination. Many players have favorite numbers they always use like birthdays, anniversaries, ages of children, etc. You’ll need to tell the retailer which 5 numbers (1-70) and 1 Mega Ball number (1-25) you would like on your ticket.
Number Generator
For players who want to choose their own numbers but don’t already have favorites, a random number generator can come in handy. This tool instantly creates a random set of numbers you can play. There are many number generators available both online and within lottery apps.
Strategies
Some players use certain number selection strategies they hope will give them an edge. Common Mega Millions strategies include:
- Playing only odd or even numbers
- Using a balanced mix of low, medium, and high numbers
- Selecting numbers in certain patterns on the play slip
- Focusing heavily on the Mega Ball number
There is no proven strategy that guarantees success. Ultimately, every number combination has an equal chance of winning!
Step 3: Choose Your Ticket Type
Once you’ve picked your Mega Millions numbers, the next step is deciding what type of bet you would like to make. There are nine different Mega Millions bet types to choose from in Wisconsin:
Mega Millions Ticket Types
| Ticket Type | Cost | How to Win Jackpot |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $2 | Match all 5 numbers + Mega Ball |
| Box | $3 | Match all 5 numbers in any order + Mega Ball |
| Straight + Box | $4 | Match all 5 numbers in any order + Mega Ball |
| Front Pair | $2 | Match first 2 numbers + Mega Ball |
| Back Pair | $2 | Match last 2 numbers + Mega Ball |
| Front/Back 3 | $2 | Match first 3 or last 3 numbers + Mega Ball |
| Three-Way Box | $6 | Match all 5 numbers in any order + Mega Ball |
| Six-Way Box | $6 | Match all 5 numbers in any order + Mega Ball |
| Megaplier | Add $1 per play | Match all 5 numbers + Mega Ball |
The Straight ticket with 5 numbers and 1 Mega Ball is the most common bet. But players have the flexibility to make multiple types of bets and combinations. Talk to your retailer about which ticket options are available.
The Megaplier add-on increases non-jackpot prize amounts by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times if the Megaplier ball lands on the corresponding multiplier. Megaplier does not multiply the jackpot amount.
Step 4: Fill Out a Play Slip
Once you’ve chosen your numbers and ticket type, the next step is to fill out a Mega Millions play slip. Play slips are available at the retailer counter. Mark your number selections neatly in the correct boxes on the play slip.
You’ll need to choose whether your numbers are for one draw or multiple consecutive draws (up to 5 total). Play slips allow you to make up to 5 different bet selections on one slip.
Double check that your play slip is filled out correctly before bringing it to the cashier. Hand your completed play slip and cash payment to the retailer.
Step 5: Get Your Ticket
Finally, the retailer will scan your play slip to generate an official Mega Millions ticket. Make sure to check that your numbers, ticket type, number of draws, and Megaplier option match the play slip. Carefully review your ticket for accuracy before leaving the retailer.
Hold onto your physical ticket! It will be the only valid proof you have of your numbers and bet type if you win a prize. Buying tickets early also allows time for the retailer to correct any errors before the drawing occurs.
Some key tips for ensuring ticket accuracy:
- Double check your numbers and ticket type
- Confirm the draw date(s) printed on your ticket
- Verify the ticket cost – Does the total price match your bet selections?
- Look for the ticket barcode and security code
- Check for the retailer name and location where purchased
- Make sure the ticket includes Megaplier if you opted to add it
With an official Mega Millions ticket safely in hand, you’re now ready to try your luck in the next drawing. Good luck – and remember, you can’t win if you don’t play! Just be sure to play responsibly and within your budget.
Where to Buy Mega Millions Tickets in Wisconsin
You now know how to purchase Mega Millions tickets generally in Wisconsin. Here is a more detailed look at specific retailers by region where you can buy tickets across the state:
Madison
As the state capital and second largest city, there are tons of Mega Millions retailers all over Madison, including:
- Kwik Trip
- Woodman’s Markets
- Metcalfe’s Market
- Pick ‘n Save
- Walgreens
- Walmart Supercenter
- Shell
- Speedway
Madison offers the convenience of both self-service ticket machines and cashier sales at most lottery retailers. Top areas to buy tickets include the Williamson Street, Junction Road, and McKee Road corridors.
Milwaukee
As Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee offers endless Mega Millions ticket retailers, some of the most popular being:
- Kwik Trip
- Speedway
- Walgreens
- George Webb Restaurants
- Meijer
- Pick ‘n Save
- Walmart Supercenter
- Metro Market
Downtown Milwaukee, Southridge Mall, Midtown Center, and Bayshore Town Center are go-to spots to easily buy tickets. Milwaukee retailers have both self-service and cashier sales options.
Green Bay
Green Bay has numerous authorized Mega Millions retailers across the city, including:
- Kwik Trip
- Festival Foods
- Pick ‘n Save
- Walgreens
- Walmart Supercenter
- Shell
- Mobil
- Bay Family Market
Hot spots to buy your ticket include Military Ave, Webster Ave, Main St, and Ridge Rd intersections. Green Bay offers both self-service machines and cashier ticket sales.
Wisconsin Cities Under 50,000
Smaller Wisconsin cities also have multiple retailers selling Mega Millions tickets. Look for authorized retailers in downtown areas and along major commercial streets and intersections. Common options include gas stations like Kwik Trip, grocery stores, pharmacies like Walgreens, and big box retailers.
Rural Areas
In rural Wisconsin, authorized Mega Millions retailers are less common but can still be found in small towns. Look for retailers attached to gas stations, hardware stores, grocery and dollar stores, bars, and corner markets to purchase tickets. Calling ahead to confirm Mega Millions sales is recommended.
Key Tips for Buying Tickets in Wisconsin
Follow these tips to smoothly purchase official Mega Millions tickets in Wisconsin:
- Find an authorized retailer – Look for the WI Lottery logo and signs
- Bring valid photo ID to show you are 18+ if asked
- Select your numbers carefully with your strategy of choice
- Choose your preferred bet type (Straight, Box, etc)
- Fill out a play slip neatly and completely
- Double check your ticket for accuracy before leaving the retailer
- Keep your ticket safe – it’s the only valid proof of your wager
- Remember to sign the back of your ticket for security
- Check WI Lottery site for winning numbers and latest jackpot info
Following these simple steps, buying official Mega Millions tickets in Wisconsin is easy. Find a local retailer in your area and play today for your shot at millions!
Conclusion
In summary, playing the Mega Millions lottery in Wisconsin is accessible and straightforward when you follow these steps:
- Locate an authorized Wisconsin Lottery retailer selling Mega Millions tickets in your area
- Select 5 main numbers (1-70) and 1 Mega Ball number (1-25) – either pick your own or use Quick Pick
- Choose your ticket type (Straight, Box, etc) and number of draws
- Fill out a Mega Millions play slip, double checking accuracy
- Give completed play slip and payment to retailer to receive your ticket
- Carefully review ticket details before leaving the store
- Wait for the Mega Millions drawing and check if you won!
As long as you are playing at an authorized Wisconsin retailer, you have just as much chance to hit it big as anyone else. So what are you waiting for? Buy your Mega Millions ticket today and find out if you’ll be Wisconsin’s next multi-millionaire! Good luck!
