If you want to play the Mega Millions lottery, you’ll need to buy a Mega Millions ticket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase a Mega Millions ticket:
1. Find a lottery retailer that sells Mega Millions tickets
Mega Millions tickets are sold at licensed lottery retailers across most US states. To find a retailer near you that sells Mega Millions tickets, use the lottery’s retailer locator tool on the Mega Millions website. Just enter your city and state or zip code and it will display a list of authorized retailers in your area.
You can also find Mega Millions retailers by looking for lottery signs at gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other shops. If you see a sign for Mega Millions or other multi-state games like Powerball, then that retailer likely sells Mega Millions tickets.
2. Decide what type of ticket to buy
There are a few different ways you can play Mega Millions:
- Single ticket – Pick your own numbers for one drawing. A single ticket costs $2.
- Multi-draw ticket – Pick numbers for multiple consecutive drawings (up to 14). A 3-draw ticket costs $6, a 6-draw ticket costs $12, etc.
- Megaplier – For an extra $1 per play, the Megaplier feature can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4 or 5 times.
- Quick Pick – Have the lottery terminal randomly select your numbers. Just ask for a Quick Pick ticket instead of choosing your own numbers.
Decide what kind of ticket you want to buy. Quick Picks and single-draw tickets are the most common ways to play.
3. Pick your numbers
If you don’t want to do Quick Pick, you’ll need to pick five main numbers between 1-70, plus the Mega Ball number between 1-25. You can choose your own numbers or use an auto-generator at the lottery retailer.
Some strategies for picking numbers include:
- Birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates
- “Lucky” numbers based on superstitions or numerology
- Quick Picks – random numbers generated by computer
- “Hot” and “cold” numbers based on statistical frequency
- Following a consistent pattern (e.g. all odd numbers)
It doesn’t really matter how you pick your numbers, since every combination has the same chance of winning. Just pick numbers that are meaningful to you.
4. Fill out your playslip
To purchase a Mega Millions ticket, you’ll need to fill out a Mega Millions playslip. Playslips are the printed cards where you mark down your number selections.
Here’s how to properly fill out a Mega Millions playslip:
- Mark five numbers between 1-70 in the white number grid. These are your main numbers.
- Mark one number between 1-25 in the gold Mega Ball number grid.
- If you want the Megaplier option, mark the Megaplier box. This costs an extra $1.
- If you’re buying multiple draws, mark the number of draws in the appropriate box (up to 14).
- Double check that your numbers are correct and legible.
Make sure you use a pencil so you can erase if you make a mistake. Playslips are available at every Mega Millions retailer.
5. Give your playslip and payment to the retailer
Once your playslip is filled out properly, give it to the lottery retailer clerk along with your payment. Tell them how many draws or Megaplier options you want so they can calculate the total cost. You can pay cash or with a debit card.
The clerk will scan your playslip to generate the e-ticket with your number selections. They will print out the e-ticket along with your receipt. Always check that the numbers on your e-ticket match the numbers you marked on your playslip.
6. Check ticket details carefully
When you receive your printed Mega Millions e-ticket, be sure to check the following details carefully:
- Your numbers match those on your playslip
- The draw date(s) are correct
- The Megaplier option is marked if you selected it
- The ticket cost is correct based on number of draws and Megaplier
- The ticket and receipt barcodes match
Review the ticket information thoroughly to confirm it reflects your number selections for the upcoming draw(s) and that the cost is accurate. The e-ticket is your proof of purchase and must match the official winning numbers to claim a prize.
7. Protect your ticket
Be sure to keep your Mega Millions ticket safe until the drawing occurs. If your numbers match the winning numbers drawn, the ticket is the only valid proof that you are entitled to claim a prize. Here are some tips for securely storing your ticket:
- Make a photocopy front and back, in case you lose the original.
- Sign and safeguard the ticket to establish ownership.
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight, heat, or moisture.
- Don’t laminate the ticket or expose it to chemicals or liquids.
- Keep the ticket somewhere secure like a safe, wallet, or bank deposit box.
Treat your Mega Millions ticket like cash and protect it accordingly until the drawing occurs. Having a photocopy can also help if there is ever a dispute over ticket ownership or validity.
8. Check the winning numbers
Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11pm ET. To check if your numbers won a prize, compare the winning numbers drawn to the numbers on your ticket. Winning numbers will be displayed at every lottery retailer shortly after the drawing.
You can also find the latest Mega Millions winning numbers by:
- Visiting the Mega Millions website
- Checking official state lottery websites
- Looking at lottery retailer displays
- Viewing on local TV news broadcasts
- Searching online or in the newspaper
Be sure to check the winning numbers as soon as possible after the drawing so you don’t miss out on any prizes you may have won.
9. Claim your prize
If you match any of the winning numbers, sign the back of the ticket and visit an authorized lottery claims center as soon as possible. The process to claim Mega Millions prizes varies by state:
- For small prizes under $600, you can typically claim at any lottery retailer in your state.
- For larger prizes, you must visit a designated lottery office and claim in person.
- You may need to complete a lottery claims form with your personal details.
- Valid photo ID and social security number are usually required for verification.
- The claims center will validate your ticket to start the payout process.
- Prizes over $600 may be subject to income tax withholding.
Be aware that every state has a time limit to claim prizes, usually ranging from 90 days to 1 year from the draw date. Claim your Mega Millions prize promptly so you don’t miss the claims deadline.
10. Decide on payment options
For prize amounts above $250,000, Mega Millions winners get to choose between two prize payment options:
- Cash option – Receive your winnings in one lump-sum payment. The cash value is reduced from the advertised jackpot.
- Annuity option – Receive your full prize amount spread out in 30 graduated payments over 29 years.
Smaller prizes under $250,000 are paid out in a single cash lump sum. Consider your current finances, taxes, lifestyle needs, and investing experience when choosing a payment method for large jackpot wins.
11. Remain anonymous (if desired)
Some states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, while others require your name and city to be made public. If you live in a state that permits anonymity, follow these steps:
- Sign the ticket with something other than your real name, such as “Joe S.”
- Have your attorney or financial representative claim the prize on your behalf.
- Set up a trust or legal entity to receive the prize money anonymously.
- Avoid doing press conferences or interviews to reveal your identity.
Keep in mind that anonymous winners forfeit the publicity from the lottery commission that is used to promote the game. Check your state’s lottery rules carefully regarding winner anonymity before claiming a jackpot prize.
12. Beware of lottery scams
Unfortunately, big lottery wins tend to attract scammers. Be vigilant about protecting your personal information and lottery winnings. Here are some tips:
- Never pay any fees upfront to claim a prize.
- Ignore calls, emails, or ads requiring advance payment.
- Only speak to official lottery representatives at secure locations.
- Change your contact details after winning to avoid harassment.
- Don’t fall for fake “processing fees” or “taxes” to release winnings.
- Hire legal and financial advisors you can trust for guidance.
Avoid disclosing details about your lottery winnings to strangers. Legitimate lotteries will never ask you to pay any fee or tax to receive a prize.
13. Plan what to do with your winnings
A big Mega Millions lottery win can provide amazing opportunities for you and your family. But wise planning is crucial to avoid squandering your prize. Some recommendations include:
- Pay off any debt, loans, or expenses.
- Set aside money to pay taxes on your winnings.
- Invest in retirement, education, real estate, or new businesses.
- Create trusts and arrange payments for any beneficiaries.
- Make charitable contributions to causes you care about.
- Treat yourself with a dream purchase like a house or car.
Working with qualified financial planners can help you prudently manage lottery winnings and maximize benefits for your long-term security.
Summary
Playing Mega Millions is fun and easy by just following a few steps: Find an authorized retailer, pick your lucky numbers, fill out a playslip, purchase your ticket, check the winning numbers, and claim any prizes won. Always sign your ticket for security and protect it until drawings occur. If you win big, use your windfall wisely to improve your life and help others.
With its huge jackpots and better odds than other lottery games, Mega Millions offers exciting opportunities to try for once-in-a-lifetime payouts. Anyone can play for the chance to become the next multi-millionaire Mega Millions winner.