The Mega Millions jackpot is climbing once again—reaching a staggering $154 million for tonight’s drawing, scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET.
With a cash option of $69.0 million, the potential payout has lottery players across the country dreaming big ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
How to Play Mega Millions
To enter, players must choose five numbers between 1 and 70, plus one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25. Tickets cost $2 each, and an extra $1 can activate the Megaplier, which can multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to 5x.
Here’s a quick breakdown of prize tiers:
- Jackpot (5 numbers + Mega Ball): Starts at $20 million
- $1 million (5 numbers): Grows with Megaplier
- $10,000 (4 numbers + Mega Ball): Up to $50,000 with Megaplier
- $500–$10: Various combinations
When to Watch the Drawing
The winning numbers will be announced tonight at 11 p.m. ET, broadcast live and posted shortly after on the Mega Millions website. Make sure to grab your ticket before 10:45 p.m. ET, the standard cutoff in most states.
Recent Mega Millions Jackpot Activity
While no ticket matched all six numbers in Tuesday’s draw, several players scored secondary prizes worth hundreds of thousands. The jackpot has now rolled over multiple times, making tonight’s drawing one of the largest of 2025 so far.
What Happens if You Win the Lottery?
Winners can choose between:
- Annuity Option: Paid over 30 years with increasing annual payments
- Cash Option: $69.0 million lump sum (pre-tax)
Financial and legal experts recommend lottery winners consult professionals immediately to make a sound plan.
Mega Millions Fast Facts:
- Drawings every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET
- Available in 45 states, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Odds of hitting the jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350
Will you be the next Millionaire?
Check your Mega Millions numbers tonight and don’t forget to sign the back of your ticket.
MORE COVERAGE: Mega Millions | Lottery
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