The Mega Millions lottery is one of the biggest multi-state lottery games in the United States. It is drawn every Tuesday and Friday night, offering millions of dollars in jackpot prizes. With so much money up for grabs, it’s no wonder Mega Millions has become hugely popular across the country. But with two weekly drawings spread across different states, some people may be confused about what channel broadcasts the Mega Millions drawings. This article will provide a quick answer to the question “What channel do they call the Mega Millions?” as well as more in-depth information about where and how to watch Mega Millions drawings on TV.
Quick Answer
The Mega Millions drawings are televised on various local television stations across the United States. The exact channel varies depending on which state you are located in. Some examples of channels that air Mega Millions include:
- Georgia: WSB-TV in Atlanta
- California: KTLA in Los Angeles
- Texas: KHOU in Houston
- New York: WABC-TV in New York City
- Illinois: WGN-TV in Chicago
In most participating states, Mega Millions drawings can be seen on your local affiliate station for one of the major broadcast TV networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX or CW. Check your local TV listings to find the exact channel in your area. The drawings are also available to stream online at MegaMillions.com.
Where and When Are the Mega Millions Drawings Televised?
The Mega Millions drawings take place at 11:00 PM Eastern Time every Tuesday and Friday night. They are held at WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia. WSB-TV is the flagship station for Cox Media Group that agreed to host the drawings in 1996. The draw station has remained the same ever since.
Once the drawings are complete, the results are distributed to local television stations across the United States so they can broadcast the winning numbers during their 11:00 PM newscasts. States have some flexibility on exactly what time they choose to air the drawings based on their own scheduling. But most air them as soon as possible at 11:00 PM local time.
Some examples of when you can catch the Mega Millions results on TV based on local time:
- 11:00 PM Eastern
- 10:00 PM Central
- 9:00 PM Mountain
- 8:00 PM Pacific
- 7:00 PM Alaska
- 6:00 PM Hawaii
So no matter where you are located in the U.S., be sure to check your local television listings to find out what channel will broadcast the Mega Millions around 11:00 PM in your region.
How to Watch Mega Millions Drawings Without Cable TV
You don’t need cable TV to watch the Mega Millions drawings. There are a few different options to stream the results online or via mobile apps:
MegaMillions.com
The official Mega Millions website hosts a video stream of the drawings every Tuesday and Friday night. You can watch the balls fall in real time at 11:00 PM ET. The winning numbers are also posted on the website shortly after the drawing finishes airing on TV.
Lottery Mobile Apps
Most state lottery apps offer live streams of the Mega Millions drawings. Apps like Jackpocket (New York), LottoHub (New Jersey), and LottoX (Massachusetts) provide real-time results on draw nights. Check if your state lottery has an official app.
Television Streaming Services
Live TV streaming platforms like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV carry many local stations that air the Mega Millions drawings. You can watch a live stream through these providers. Just make sure your streaming package includes your local stations.
Social Media
The Mega Millions YouTube channel and Facebook page post the winning numbers after each drawing. These official social media accounts are good options to catch the results in real-time.
So even if you cut the cord on cable, you can still easily find the Mega Millions results online or on mobile. Streaming and social media give you plenty of cable-free options.
How to Buy Mega Millions Tickets
Now that you know where to watch the Mega Millions drawings, you may want to try your luck playing. Here is a quick rundown of how to purchase official Mega Millions tickets:
- In-Person: Buy tickets at any licensed lottery retailer in a participating state.
- Online: Available in some states through lottery websites and mobile apps.
- Subscription: Sign up for recurring ticket subscriptions where available.
- Lottery Ticket Machines: Use self-service kiosks in some grocery stores and gas stations.
You can find authorized ticket retailers in your area using the official state lottery website. When buying in person, use play slips to select your numbers or ask for computer-generated quick picks.
The cost of a Mega Millions ticket is $2 per play. You can add the Megaplier option for $1 extra to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Mega Millions can be played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Some key rules to remember:
- Pick 5 main numbers from 1-70
- Pick 1 Mega Ball number from 1-25
- Match all 6 numbers to win the jackpot
- Tickets can’t be canceled or voided
- You must be 18+ years old to play
Be sure to check the laws in your jurisdiction and play responsibly. Good luck hitting those Mega Millions numbers!
The History of Mega Millions
To understand the Mega Millions game of today, it helps to know some history. Here is an overview of how Mega Millions came to be one of the biggest multi-state lottery games in the U.S.:
1996
The Big Game is launched with six participating states – Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Virginia. Tickets cost $1 per play.
2002
The Big Game becomes The Big Game Mega Millions as ticket prices rise to $2 with the addition of a Mega Millions jackpot.
2010
Mega Millions expands to include more states previously affiliated with the Powerball lottery. Cross-selling between states begins.
2012
Mega Millions jackpots start growing bigger faster due to changed rules. Players now pick from 1-75 and 1-15.
2017
The current 5/70 + 1/25 matrix is introduced. Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots can now grow larger than ever.
2022
The current Mega Millions record jackpot of $1.537 billion is won on July 29 in Illinois. Lottery fever spreads nationwide.
Today, Mega Millions is played by millions across the country hoping to get lucky and take home massive eight or nine-figure prizes. The game has come a long way from its early beginnings in 1996.
Notable Mega Millions Jackpots
Over its 25+ year history, Mega Millions has produced some enormous jackpots. Here are some of the most noteworthy Mega Millions top prizes won:
| Jackpot Amount | Date Won | Winning State |
|---|---|---|
| $1.537 billion | July 29, 2022 | Illinois |
| $1.050 billion | January 22, 2021 | Michigan |
| $656 million | March 30, 2012 | Kansas, Illinois, Maryland |
| $648 million | December 17, 2013 | California, Georgia |
| $543 million | July 24, 2018 | California |
| $536 million | July 8, 2016 | Indiana |
| $533 million | March 30, 2018 | New Jersey |
| $522 million | June 7, 2019 | California |
| $451 million | January 5, 2018 | Florida |
| $437 million | January 1, 2019 | New York |
As you can see, Mega Millions has minted billionaires and multi-millionaires across the United States. Even aside from the jackpot, there are nine ways to win cash prizes in every drawing. Mega Millions tickets may be worth a look next time the jackpot rises to astronomical levels.
Strategies for Winning Mega Millions
The odds of winning Mega Millions are 1 in 302,575,350. While winning takes a great deal of luck, there are some strategies players use to try improving their odds:
Buy More Tickets
The more number combinations you play, the better your chances. But limit spending to what you can afford.
Join a Group
Pooling money with a lottery group lets you buy more tickets and hedge your bets.
Use Significant Numbers
Playing your own lucky numbers or significant dates can make a win more meaningful.
Try Different Approaches
Switch between using the same numbers and mixing it up for variety.
Use Lottery Wheeling Systems
Wheeling systems buy tickets covering all possible number permutations.
Buy Tickets Randomly
Quick pick randomly generated tickets give you impartial number selection.
Scan for Unplayed Numbers
Lookup past draws online to find due numbers that haven’t hit recently.
Stick With It
Persistence and consistency can pay off down the line.
Remember that at the end of the day, Mega Millions wins are totally up to chance. But these tips can help make the game more interesting to play.
Tips for Winner Security
If you beat the long odds and hit the Mega Millions jackpot, you’ll want to keep your windfall secure. Here are some tips to protect your prize money:
- Remain anonymous – Collect your prize through a trust if your state allows.
- Avoid publicity – Keep your win quiet and limit press conferences.
- Work with professionals – Hire financial planners, accountants and lawyers.
- Be discreet – Don’t flaunt your wealth or tell too many people.
- Don’t overspend – Make conservative purchases and invest wisely.
- Be prudent – Carefully plan your spending to sustain your funds.
- Help others – Use charity donations to assist those in need.
- Take your time – There’s no rush, so move ahead cautiously.
Staying grounded, private and frugal can help a jackpot winner adjust to their financial windfall responsibly. Protecting your identity and maintaining your security should be top priorities.
Fun Facts About Mega Millions
In addition to the serious strategy and planning around Mega Millions, there are also some fun and intriguing facts about the multi-state game:
- Mega Millions has awarded over $22 billion in prizes since 2002.
- The number most commonly drawn as the Mega Ball is 22.
- Virginia has had the most jackpot winners with 12.
- California has had the most Mega Millions prize winners overall.
- Mega Millions jackpots start at $20 million.
- The Megaplier option can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times.
- A Mega Millions ticket costs $2 to buy.
- You have a 1 in 24 chance of winning a prize on Mega Millions.
- The Mega Millions record jackpot is $1.537 billion.
- Mega Millions drawings can produce 100,000+ winners in a single night.
These fun facts show that while hitting the jackpot may be rare, smaller prizes are common. Mega Millions offers excitement across its participating 45 states, D.C. and the Virgin Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common Mega Millions questions:
How much does a Mega Millions ticket cost?
Mega Millions tickets cost $2 per play. You can add the Megaplier for $1 extra.
What days are the Mega Millions drawings?
Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday night at 11:00 PM Eastern Time.
What channel is the Mega Millions drawing on?
It varies by region. Check your local TV listings for the channel in your area.
Can you buy Mega Millions tickets online?
Yes, Mega Millions tickets can be purchased online in some states through lottery websites and apps.
How late can you buy Mega Millions tickets?
Sales cutoffs vary by state, but usually 1-2 hours before the drawing. Check with your local retailer.
What is the biggest Mega Millions jackpot ever?
The current Mega Millions record is $1.537 billion, won in July 2022.
How do you pick Mega Millions numbers?
You pick 5 main numbers 1-70 and 1 Mega Ball number 1-25. Or use quick picks for randomly generated numbers.
Can Mega Millions tickets be checked online?
Yes, official state lottery websites allow you to check Mega Millions tickets online.
Where does the Mega Millions drawing take place?
Drawings happen at WSB-TV studios in Atlanta, Georgia and air across the country.
What do you win for 2 numbers on Mega Millions?
Matching just the Mega Ball wins $2. Matching 1 main number plus the Mega Ball wins $4.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mega Millions lottery drawings can be seen on local television stations across the United States on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:00 PM Eastern Time. While the exact channel varies by region, most participating states air the results shortly after the balls are drawn in Atlanta. You can also stream Mega Millions online via state lottery websites and apps. With jackpots starting at $20 million and often climbing into the hundreds of millions, Mega Millions offers excitement and abundant prize money two nights a week. Check for your local draw broadcast or stream the action online to catch the upcoming Mega Millions lottery activity. Good luck on becoming the game’s next big jackpot winner!
