The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest multi-state lottery games in the United States. It is played in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The minimum Mega Millions jackpot starts at $40 million and grows until someone wins. Jackpots have climbed as high as $1.6 billion in the past!
California joined the Mega Millions game in 2005. Since then, there have been several winners of massive jackpots from California. The most recent was in July 2022, when a ticket purchased in Illinois won the $1.337 billion jackpot – the second largest Mega Millions prize ever!
So how can you get in on the action if you live in California? The California Lottery offers several ways to buy Mega Millions tickets online without leaving home. Keep reading to learn the different options for purchasing official Mega Millions tickets online in California.
California Lottery Official Website
The easiest way for California residents to buy Mega Millions tickets is through the California Lottery’s official website. You can purchase single tickets for the next drawing, or buy tickets in advance for multiple future drawings.
Here is how to buy Mega Millions tickets online at CA Lottery:
1. Visit the California Lottery website at calottery.com. Look for the Play Online tab at the top of the homepage. This will take you to the page to purchase lottery games online.
2. If you have not created an account yet, you will need to sign up first. Click “Create a New Account” and fill out the registration form with your name, address, email, and other details.
3. Once registered and logged in, look for the Mega Millions logo and click “Buy Now.” This will take you to the purchase page.
4. Select how many tickets you want to buy (1-5 per transaction). Then choose whether you want to play for the next upcoming drawing, or get tickets for future drawings.
5. Pick your Mega Millions numbers manually, or use the Quick Pick generator to get computer-selected numbers. You can also add on the Megaplier option to multiply non-jackpot winnings.
6. Proceed through checkout and make your payment using a credit card or bank account linked to your account. You must be located in California at the time of purchase.
7. Your ticket receipt will be emailed to you. Retain this receipt for your records. Winning numbers are automatically checked for you! Prizes up to $600 can be claimed online. Larger amounts must be redeemed at a Lottery district office.
The California Lottery website is the easiest and most convenient way to securely buy official Mega Millions tickets online. Give it a try for your chance to win massive jackpots from home!
Jackpocket App
Another popular option for buying Mega Millions tickets online in California is using the Jackpocket lottery app. Jackpocket is a licensed lottery courier service available in several participating states.
Here is how it works:
1. Download the Jackpocket app on your iOS or Android device. Open the app and either log into your existing account or tap “Get Started” to register.
2. After logging in, the app will detect your location and confirm you are in California. Then tap “Mega Millions” from the app menu.
3. Choose how many Mega Millions tickets you want to purchase (1-5 per transaction). Then select if you want ticket for the upcoming drawing or future draw dates.
4. Pick your numbers manually or use Quick Pick. You can also turn on the Megaplier option. Tap “Add to Cart” when finished.
5. Review your ticket purchase(s) in the cart, then proceed through checkout and pay with a credit card or payment service linked to your Jackpocket account.
6. A local Jackpocket courier in California will purchase your official Mega Millions ticket(s) on your behalf from an authorized California Lottery retailer.
7. Once purchased, the ticket will be scanned into your account. You will receive email and push notification confirmations. Winning tickets are automatically checked and securely stored until claimed!
Jackpocket provides a convenient way to get Mega Millions tickets online. However, there are small convenience fees for using the app service. Delivery of your purchased ticket(s) can take up to several hours once ordered.
Lotto.com
Lotto.com is another courier service similar to Jackpocket. They purchase real-world lottery tickets on your behalf in California and other participating states. Here are the steps to buy Mega Millions tickets using Lotto.com:
1. Visit Lotto.com and create an account or log in. Provide your contact and payment details.
2. Locate Mega Millions in the Lotto.com menu and select the number of tickets you wish to buy.
3. Choose your ticket numbers manually or select Quick Pick. Turn on Megaplier if you want.
4. Pick which upcoming or future draw dates for your ticket purchases.
5. Add the Mega Millions ticket(s) to your cart and complete the checkout process. Pay with credit card, debit card, or other supported payment methods.
6. Lotto.com will connect you with a local agent in California to facilitate your Mega Millions ticket purchases.
7. Once the courier buys your official Mega Millions ticket(s), the ticket information will be updated in your account.
8. Receive email notification when your Mega Millions tickets have been successfully purchased. Winning tickets are automatically checked for prizes!
Similar to Jackpocket, using Lotto.com does come with small service fees. Make sure to review the delivery timeline and rules in your state carefully. Overall, Lotto.com provides a safe way to conveniently buy Mega Millions online.
PlayUSALotteries.com
PlayUSALotteries.com is a lottery messenger service owned by Pronet Gaming that offers Mega Millions tickets in California and several other states. Here is how you can buy Mega Millions tickets online using them:
1. Visit PlayUSALotteries.com and register for a free account. Provide your personal and payment information.
2. Once logged in, select Mega Millions and choose how many tickets you want to purchase.
3. Select your ticket numbers manually or use Quick Pick. Add Megaplier if desired.
4. Pick the draw date(s) for your ticket(s). You can buy tickets for upcoming or future draws.
5. Review your order and checkout. Pay for your Mega Millions ticket purchases using a credit/debit card or other available payment methods.
6. PlayUSALotteries will have their lottery messenger service purchase official Mega Millions tickets on your behalf from a California lottery retailer.
7. You will receive email and account notifications when your tickets have been purchased and scanned into your account. Winning tickets are automatically validated!
Using PlayUSALotteries.com does come with minor added service fees for the convenience of online ticket purchases. Make sure to review the FAQ for more details before using the site.
TheLotter.com
TheLotter is an online lottery ticket messenger service based in Europe. They also facilitate ticket purchases in California and other participating U.S. states. Here is how you can buy Mega Millions tickets online at TheLotter:
1. Visit TheLotter.com website or mobile app. Create a free account and fill in your personal and payment details.
2. Once logged in, find Mega Millions and select how many tickets you want to buy.
3. Pick your preferred numbers manually or select Quick Pick. Turn on the Megaplier option if desired.
4. Select which upcoming or future draw dates for ticket purchases.
5. Add your Mega Millions ticket(s) to your online cart and complete the checkout process.
6. Pay for your tickets using credit card, debit card, or other payment options available.
7. TheLotter will have their local agent in California purchase official Mega Millions tickets on your behalf.
8. Once your ticket is purchased, you will receive a scanned copy in your account and by email. Winning tickets are automatically validated!
TheLotter does charge service fees for facilitating online Mega Millions purchases. Make sure to review the terms and delivery timelines before using the service.
LottoAgent Services
In addition to the online courier services above, there are also smaller lottery agent sites that offer ticket services in California. These include:
– Lotto Agent
– LotteryMaster
– Jacklotto
– Lotto Send
– Lotto Smile
– QuickLotto
Most of these sites work similarly in that they act as ticket messengers using local agents to facilitate purchases on your behalf. Here is the general process if using one of these lottery agent services:
1. Create an account and register your details on the site.
2. Select Mega Millions, choose number of tickets to buy.
3. Pick ticket numbers manually or use Quick Pick. Add on Megaplier if desired.
4. Choose draw dates for your ticket(s).
5. Add to cart and checkout using credit/debit card or other payment method.
6. The site connects you with an agent in California to buy official Mega Millions tickets.
7. You receive ticket confirmations by email and in your account.
8. Winning tickets are checked and handled as specified by the site.
The main drawbacks of using the smaller lottery agent sites are:
– Additional service fees per ticket purchase.
– Longer wait times for ticket fulfillment.
– Less established reputation and site history.
However, they are legal services that do provide a way to safely buy Mega Millions tickets online in California and other states when the larger courier services are not available in your area.
Buying Mega Millions Tickets In Person
While buying Mega Millions tickets online provides convenience and security, some people may prefer purchasing tickets in-person. Here is what you need to know about buying Mega Millions tickets in-person at California retailers:
You can buy Mega Millions tickets at over 23,000 California Lottery retail locations around the state. These include grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, and other licensed retailers.
When purchasing in-person, you must pay in cash. California lottery retailers do not accept checks, credit cards, or debit cards for buying lottery tickets. You also must be physically present in California at time of purchase.
Retailers have self-service lottery vending machines in-store. You can insert cash, have the machine quickly print out an official Mega Millions ticket, then the retailer will activate it for you.
Make sure to sign your lottery ticket once you purchase it. Unsigned tickets are legally considered unclaimed property. Keep your ticket in a safe place until the drawing occurs.
If you win a Mega Millions prize up to $600, you can claim it at any California lottery retailer location. For jackpots and larger prizes, you must visit a Lottery district office in-person and provide ID.
Buying Mega Millions tickets in-person at retailers is easy and straightforward. Just locate your nearest lottery retailer and head to the self-service vending machines. Keep your ticket safe until the drawing!
Can You Buy Mega Millions Tickets From Other States?
California residents are limited to only buying official Mega Millions tickets within the state of California either online or at authorized retailers.
It is illegal to purchase lottery tickets across state lines by mail, phone, or online from other jurisdictions. This is due to the federal and state laws regulating lotteries.
Some key rules:
- You must be a resident of California and physically located within the state at time of purchase for Mega Millions tickets.
- Tickets sold in other states like Arizona, Nevada, or Oregon are not valid in California.
- It is illegal for websites based in other states to sell or ship tickets to California addresses.
- Tickets sold by out-of-state retailers or agents are not legally valid either.
In summary, stick only to the authorized methods within California for buying Mega Millions tickets. Do not try to purchase Mega Millions tickets online, by phone, or in-person when you are out of state. Tickets must originate in California to be eligible to win prizes.
Mega Millions Ticket Checker
Once you have your official Mega Millions ticket, either from an online service or California retailer, you will want to check it following the drawing to see if you have a winner!
Here are the ways you can check your Mega Millions tickets in California:
- Use the ticket checker feature in the California Lottery Official App. Scan the barcode to automatically validate.
- Take your ticket in-person to any California lottery retailer location. Their ticket scanner will validate whether you won.
- Check online using the ticket checker at the California Lottery website.
- If you purchased through an online service, they automatically validate your ticket numbers and notify you if you have a winner.
- Tune into the Mega Millions drawing show after the Tuesday and Friday drawings for the latest winning numbers.
Be sure to always sign your lottery tickets! Unsigned tickets may not be able to be validated or paid if you win a prize.
Carefully check your tickets after the drawing for accuracy. Confirm you have the correct date, game, draw time, and ticket numbers printed. Contact the California Lottery immediately if you believe you have a winning ticket and encounter any issues validating it.
Claiming Mega Millions Prizes
If you are lucky enough to win a Mega Millions prize in California, here is how you can claim:
| Prize Amount | How to Claim |
| $600 or less | Can be claimed at any California Lottery retailer location. Retailers pay cash for smaller prizes up to $600. |
| $601-$50,000 | Prizes up to $50,000 can be redeemed at any Lottery district office. Bring a claim form and your photo ID. |
| $50,001-$599,000 | Must be claimed by appointment at California Lottery headquarters in Sacramento. |
| Jackpot/Grand Prize | Jackpot and grand prizes over $599,000 must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Sacramento. |
You have 180 days from the date of the Mega Millions drawing to claim your prize. Make sure to thoroughly check your ticket soon after the drawing, so you don’t miss the expiration deadline if you have a winner!
Tickets purchased online can also be claimed as specified by the lottery courier service you used. Many offer assisted claiming for major prizes. Just don’t forget to sign your tickets!
Congratulations if you win a Mega Millions prize in California! Be sure to claim in a timely manner at the authorized locations.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions lottery offers life-changing jackpots to players in California and across the country. You can conveniently purchase official Mega Millions tickets online using the California Lottery website or approved courier services. Or buy tickets in-person at retail locations when you are within the state.
Carefully check your Mega Millions tickets after the drawing on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you have a winner, sign your ticket and claim your prize within 180 days at the authorized lottery locations in California.
Buying lottery tickets should be fun, but always remember to play responsibly and within your budget. Good luck hitting a huge Mega Millions jackpot next time you play in California! Just make sure to get your tickets from legitimate in-state sources for your chance to win.
