The Mega Millions lottery is a hugely popular multi-state lottery game in the United States. It is played in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game offers jackpots starting at $40 million, with the potential to grow into the hundreds of millions or even over $1 billion.
Texas has participated in the Mega Millions game since 2003. Over the years, there have been several major Mega Millions winners from Texas. Naturally, when you win such a huge prize, you’ll want to know how to go about claiming it properly in Texas. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where and how to claim Mega Millions prizes in Texas.
Overview of Mega Millions Game
Mega Millions is drawn twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 11 p.m. ET. Players choose five main numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. The starting jackpot is $40 million, which rolls over if there is no winner. Jackpots can grow to astronomical sums if there are multiple rollovers.
To win the jackpot, you’ll need to match all six numbers drawn. There are eight other prize tiers too for matching some of the numbers. Mega Millions has produced several enormous jackpots over $500 million, including a record $1.537 billion won in South Carolina in 2018.
Mega Millions Prize Levels
Here is a summary of the Mega Millions prize tiers:
| Prize Level | Match | Odds (1 in) | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 main + Mega Ball | 302,575,350 | Growing jackpot starting at $40 million |
| Match 5 | 5 main numbers | 12,607,306 | $1 million |
| Match 4 + Mega Ball | 4 main + Mega Ball | 931,001 | $10,000 |
| Match 4 | 4 main numbers | 36,525 | $500 |
| Match 3 + Mega Ball | 3 main + Mega Ball | 14,547 | $200 |
| Match 3 | 3 main numbers | 606 | $10 |
| Match 2 + Mega Ball | 2 main + Mega Ball | 894 | $10 |
| Match 1 + Mega Ball | 1 main + Mega Ball | 649 | $4 |
| Match 0 + Mega Ball | Mega Ball only | 49 | $2 |
As you can see, you can win decent prize money even if you don’t match all six numbers. The odds of winning are long but playing consistently boosts your chances over time.
Claiming Mega Millions Prizes in Texas
If you are lucky enough to win a Mega Millions prize in Texas, here is what you need to know about claiming your windfall:
Smaller Prizes
For smaller Mega Millions prizes up to $599, you can claim your winnings at any authorized Texas Lottery retailer in the state. Retailers include convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and more. Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at retailers throughout the state.
You’ll need to fill out a claim form and show valid photo ID to the retailer to verify your win. The retailer will then pay out your prize amount in cash. This is the quickest and easiest way to claim smaller Mega Millions prizes.
Larger Prizes
For Mega Millions prizes of $600 or more, including the jackpot, you’ll need to claim your prize at one of the Texas Lottery claim centers instead. Here are the steps involved:
- Sign the back of your winning Mega Millions ticket immediately.
- Keep your ticket in a safe place and avoid exposing it to heat or direct sunlight, which can damage tickets.
- You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your Mega Millions prize in Texas.
- Bring your signed ticket to a Texas Lottery claim center. There are five locations around the state which are open Monday through Friday.
- You’ll fill out a claim form and the lottery will verify your win.
- For prizes over $5 million, you may need to participate in a press conference on site.
- You will receive your prize money via direct deposit or check within 6 to 8 weeks.
Here are the addresses for the five Texas Lottery claim centers:
| Texas Lottery Claim Center | Address |
|---|---|
| Austin | Texas Lottery Commission, 611 E. 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | 2701 S. Stemmons Fwy, Ste 400, Lewisville, TX 75067 |
| El Paso | 500 E. San Antonio Ave, Room #130, El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Houston | 350 North Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77060 |
| San Antonio | 611 E. Nueva, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
Be sure to call the claim center in advance to confirm required documentation and appointments if necessary.
Mega Millions Jackpot Claims
Claiming a Mega Millions jackpot in Texas requires some additional steps and planning. Lottery winnings are not taxed in Texas so you do not need to withhold any federal or state taxes when you claim. However, you will want to consult with tax and financial experts right away to plan for the financial implications.
You can choose to receive your full jackpot share in 30 annual payments, or take a reduced lump sum cash option instead. There are pros and cons to both options. You’ll want expert advice to decide which is right for you.
Note that for Mega Millions jackpots, you do not have the choice to remain anonymous in Texas. State law requires the Texas Lottery to identify and publicize big lottery winners. This helps assure the public that real people are actually winning these huge prizes.
The Texas Lottery will issue an official press release and hold a press conference when you claim your jackpot. You should prepare by consulting with legal counsel and a media representative. Refusing to participate in the press conference can result in your winnings being withheld.
Overall, claiming a Mega Millions jackpot in Texas is straightforward. Just make sure you work with financial and legal experts to handle the experience smoothly while protecting your future.
Notable Mega Millions Wins in Texas
There have been several substantial Mega Millions winners from the state of Texas over the years. Here are some of the biggest Texas Mega Millions prizes claimed:
$227 Million – Nov. 15, 2019
An anonymous winner from La Grange claimed a $227 million Mega Millions prize on November 15, 2019. It was the eighth largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won in the U.S. at the time. The lucky ticket was purchased at Lakeline Express Mart in Austin.
The winner opted for the cash value lump sum option, which came to $157.91 million before taxes. It stands as the second largest lottery prize ever won in the state of Texas.
$144 Million – June 12, 2018
The fourth largest Mega Millions prize in Texas was claimed just outside Houston on June 12, 2018. The sole winning ticket was purchased at Fuel Depot in Huffman and matched all six numbers.
The winner remained anonymous but the Texas Lottery announced that they were from out of state. The cash value taken was $85.8 million.
$133 Million – February 11, 2014
One of the earliest huge Mega Millions winners in Texas scored a $133 million jackpot on February 11, 2014. The ticket was sold at JPS Food Mart in Jarrell, northeast of Austin.
Again, the winner chose to remain anonymous and took the cash option of $95 million before taxes. It was the second largest Mega Millions prize won in Texas at the time.
$128 Million – December 25, 2002
On Christmas Day 2002, a Texas Lottery player won $128 million, which was the game’s biggest jackpot up until that time. The ticket was sold at Brookshires in Richmond, southwest of Houston.
The winner opted for the cash value payout of $95.4 million when they claimed the prize six months later in June 2003. This win held the record for the largest Texas Mega Millions prize for over a decade.
Other Notable Texas Lottery Wins
The Texas Lottery has produced several other enormous lottery winners over the years besides just Mega Millions:
$1.54 Billion Powerball Jackpot
A College Station resident won an astonishing $1.54 billion Powerball jackpot in January 2016, matching all five main numbers and the Powerball. It remains the world’s largest lottery prize ever won by a single ticket.
The winner could choose a lump sum of $983.5 million or annual payments over three decades. They chose the cash value option but have never revealed their identity.
$285.6 Million Powerball Jackpot
Just a few months after the record $1.54 billion Powerball jackpot, a Texas player won the $285.6 million prize in June 2016. The ticket was sold in Princeton, near Dallas.
The winner took the cash value of $187.3 million and has kept their identity private. It stands as the second largest Powerball jackpot won in Texas.
$157 Million Powerball Jackpot
In August 2013, a winner from the Houston area claimed a $157 million Powerball prize, taking the cash value of $86 million. The jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Richmond where another big Lotto Texas jackpot had been won the year before.
$145 Million Lotto Texas Jackpot
The largest Lotto Texas jackpot was hit in June 2012 when an El Paso man won $145 million. He purchased the Quick Pick ticket at a Fuel City store where he regularly bought lottery tickets.
The cash value taken was $100.8 million before taxes. Lotto Texas is the state’s own in-state lottery draw game with jackpots starting at $5 million.
So Texas has definitely produced its fair share of enormous lottery jackpot winners over the past 20 years. Playing Mega Millions in Texas has awarded tens of millions to several lucky residents. If you win big, be sure to sign your ticket and claim your prize at an authorized lottery claim center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about claiming Mega Millions prizes in Texas:
What is the deadline to claim my prize?
You have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim your Mega Millions prize in Texas. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
What identification do I need to claim a prize?
You’ll need to show valid photo ID, such as a Texas driver’s license or passport. The name and address must match the name on your winning ticket.
Can I claim my prize anonymously?
You can remain anonymous for Mega Millions prizes under $1 million. For jackpots of $1 million or more, Texas law requires your identity to be publicized.
What happens if I lose my winning Mega Millions ticket?
Unfortunately, a lottery ticket is a bearer instrument. Whoever signs and presents the ticket is considered the rightful owner. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be reissued or claimed.
Are Mega Millions winnings taxed in Texas?
No, lottery prizes are exempt from state and federal income taxes in Texas. But winnings may impact tax bracket or have other financial consequences.
Where can I find results for the Mega Millions drawing?
Draw results are posted at txlottery.org after each drawing on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can also ask your retailer for a printout.
Can I remain anonymous for a jackpot win?
No, Texas law requires that all major prize winners be identified by the Lottery. For your own protection, you may want to assemble a legal team first.
How long does it take to receive jackpot winnings?
It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive your prize money via direct deposit after claiming a Texas Mega Millions jackpot.
Conclusion
Winning a huge Mega Millions jackpot in Texas would be life changing. Just be sure to sign your ticket immediately, keep it very safe, and claim your prize within 180 days. You’ll need to visit an authorized Texas Lottery claim center in person and provide photo ID for any prize over $600. While jackpot winners cannot remain anonymous, be sure to work with financial and legal advisors before claiming your windfall. With proper planning, you can handle the excitement smoothly and prepare for your future. Good luck on becoming Texas’ next big Mega Millions winner!
