The odds of winning Mega Millions are 1 in 302 million, a number that I admit can sound daunting and make you wonder if it’s worth it to keep playing. I get that feeling. But it’s important to remember that hitting the jackpot isn’t the only reward up for grabs. In fact, Mega Millions offers eight additional levels of secondary prizes with better odds, ranging from just matching the Mega Ball to matching all five main numbers. Yes, you read that right, you can win a prize just by matching the Mega Ball number.
But what does it mean when you get the Mega Ball? How much could you win? What are the secondary prizes worth? And perhaps most importantly, what are the odds of winning one of the secondary prizes? All of these questions will be answered in today’s post. So, let’s dive in.
How Mega Millions works
First, do you remember how to play Mega Millions? You need to select a total of 6 numbers. This includes 5 main numbers from the white balls, which range from 1 to 70, and 1 additional number from the Mega Ball, which ranges from 1 to 25. You can choose your numbers manually or go for the Quick Pick option where the system will randomly generate the numbers for you.
The price of each Mega Millions ticket is around $2. However, if you add extra options like Megaplier or Just the Jackpot, the value of the ticket increases to $3, with an additional dollar for each feature.
What is the Mega Ball in Mega Millions?
The Mega Millions Mega Ball is an additional number drawn from a separate set of numbers from 1 to 25. This number is critical to winning the jackpot and also plays an important role in determining the secondary prize levels. And if you just match the Mega Ball, you can win a Mega Millions prize.
As with the five main balls, you can manually select the Mega Ball number or let the machine select it for you. If you need some inspiration for your numbers, we’ve compiled a list of the most drawn Mega Millions numbers from 2023.
How much do you get if you have the Mega Ball?
If you manage to match the Mega Ball number, you’ll win a prize of two dollars. I know it’s not a lot of money, but with this prize you’ll at least get back what you put into your ticket. And if you add the Megaplier option, you could win up to $10! With that prize, you’d have enough to buy 5 more tickets.
What are the nine prizes for the Mega Millions?
There are nine different ways to win in Mega Millions, from just matching the Mega Ball to matching all six numbers. The value of these prizes is fixed, except in California. In California, Mega Millions prizes are pari-mutuel and vary based on ticket sales and the number of winners. Therefore, they will differ from the fixed prizes listed on the Mega Millions website.
Here is a breakdown of the Mega Millions prizes showing how to win them, the value of the prize and the odds of winning.
- Jackpot: If you match all five main numbers and the Extra Ball you win the jackpot. The odds of winning are 1 in 302,575,350.
- Match 5: If you match all five main numbers you win $1 million. The odds are 1 in 12,607,306.
- Match 4 + Extra Ball: If you match four main numbers and the Extra Ball you win $10,000. The odds are 1 in 931,001.
- Match 4: If you match four main numbers you win $500. Your odds are 1 in 38,792.
- Match 3 + Extra Ball: If you match three main numbers and the Extra Ball to win $200. The odds are 1 in 14,547.
- Match 3: If you match three main numbers you win $10. The odds are 1 in 606.
- Match 2 + Extra Ball: If you match two main numbers and the Extra Ball you win $10. The odds are 1 in 693.
- Match 1 + Extra Ball: If you match one main number and the Extra Ball you win $4. The odds are 1 in 89.
- Match Mega Ball: If you match just the Extra Ball you win $2. The odds are 1 in 37.
Are two numbers worth anything in Mega Millions?
If you match two numbers, you have a chance to win $4, but only if one of the numbers is the Mega Ball. Unfortunately, if you only match two of the white balls, you won’t win anything. The same applies if you only match one of the white balls.
Summing up…
You don’t have to match all 6 numbers to win a Mega Millions prize, you have 8 more chances. Just hitting the Mega Ball will get your ticket money back. So don’t get discouraged or lose hope, there is always a chance to win something. Remember, the lottery is a game, so the main goal is to have fun.
Leave a comment below and tell us if you’ve ever won a Mega Millions prize. Oh, and don’t forget to Download the Lottonia App to manage your lottery bets more effectively and securely.