How to play Mega Millions for a chance at $533M: Step-by-step guide

Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAYMon, March 9, 2026 at 8:04 PM UTC

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The Mega Millions jackpot has gone unclaimed so far in 2026, growing to an impressive $533 million as of Monday, March 9.

The ballooning number can certainly make the prospect of buying a ticket more tantalizing, even with the odds of winning the grand prize sitting at just 1 in about 290.5 million.

If you fancy your odds, you can get in on the lotto by visiting a local corner, gas or grocery store. If it's your first time throwing a $5 bill in the ring, the process may look like some sort of impromptu math lesson. Worry not; for better or worse, this game of chance requires minimal calculating on your part.

Here's what to know about playing the Mega Millions lottery.

'Keep it quiet:' Here's what to know and do if you win the Mega Millions jackpot

How old do you have to be to buy a Mega Millions ticket?

You have to be old enough to gamble in your state legally.

In a majority of states, you have to be 18 or older to purchase a lottery ticket. However, in the following states, you have to be a bit older to buy or redeem lottery tickets:

Arizona: 21 years old, according to the Arizona Lottery.

Louisiana: 21 years old, according to the Louisiana Lottery.

Nebraska: 19 years old, according to the Nebraska Lottery.

Check your state rules to see whether you are eligible to play the lottery.

Where can you buy Mega Millions tickets?

You can purchase your ticket at a grocery store, convenience store or gas station, depending on your location. Some airport terminals may also sell them. In some states, you may be able to buy tickets online.

The Mega Millions jackpot was $533 million as of Monday, March 9.How to pick a Mega Millions ticket

To win Mega Millions, you must choose a total of six numbers and hope that the numbers drawn match the ones you chose. Players may pick the numbers from two separate number pools.

Five of the numbers will come from white balls whose numbers range between one and 70, and the last number will come from the gold Mega Ball whose numbers range between one and 25.

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When buying a ticket, you can choose your own numbers or ask the cashier for a "Quick Pick" or Easy Pick," where a computer randomly generates numbers for you.

How much do Mega Millions tickets cost?

Mega Millions tickets cost $5 per play.

As of April 2025, new Mega Millions tickets include a built-in multiplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

Previously, in some states, a multiplier, known as the Megaplier, was available for an extra dollar add-on. Likewise, the "Just the Jackpot" feature available in some states was retired.

A lottery ticket vending machine offers Mega Millions tickets for sale.How to see the winning Mega Millions numbers

Once you purchase a ticket, you have to wait for the next drawing. Mega Millions drawings take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:59 p.m. EST.

Mega Millions drawings are broadcast live on local television stations, including affiliates of major networks like ABC and CBS. Channels vary by state, so check your local listings to find where to watch it live.

Online, you can watch live on the official Mega Millions website or on the Mega Millions YouTube channel, which posts livestreams and recordings of past drawings. Numbers from the last drawing can also be found on the Mega Millions site.

When is the next Mega Millions drawing? What is the jackpot?

The next Mega Millions drawing is on Tuesday, March 10, at 10:59 p.m. ET. As of Monday, March 9, the jackpot was $533 million.

What happens if no one wins the Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday?

If nobody wins the Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday, the jackpot will be raised once again, and people interested in playing will have to buy new lottery tickets for Friday.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to play Mega Millions for a chance at $533: Step-by-step

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