Mega Millions and Powerball: Slow Start, Big Jackpots Ahead

As February rolls in, the nation’s biggest lottery games are moving slower than usual. So far this year, only one massive jackpot has been claimed between Powerball and Mega Millions—and it definitely turned heads.

? The Only Big Winner So Far

Back on January 22, a lucky ticket in North Carolina hit all six Powerball numbers and grabbed a $209 million jackpot.
The winner chose the cash option and walked away with about $68.6 million after taxes. Not bad for one ticket!

Since then, Powerball has reset and is now climbing again at $80 million—and rising.

? Mega Millions Still Waiting

Mega Millions is still stuck in a long dry spell. No one has hit the top prize since December.
Right now, the jackpot is sitting at a tempting $346 million, waiting for its next winner.

? Which States Are the Luckiest in Powerball?

Powerball has been around since 1992, and nearly 200 jackpots have been won. However, not every state gets lucky.

Some states don’t even offer Powerball:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Hawaii

• Nevada

• Utah

And these places have never had a Powerball jackpot winner:

• Maine

• Mississippi

• North Dakota

• Wyoming

• Virgin Islands

? Top Powerball Winner States

Here are the states with the most jackpot wins:

• Indiana – 39

• Missouri – 32

• Minnesota – 22

• Pennsylvania – 20

• Wisconsin – 19

• Kentucky – 19

• Louisiana – 17

• Florida – 17

• California – 17

• Arizona – 14

? Mega Millions: Who’s Winning the Most?

Mega Millions started small in 1996 and now runs in 45 states plus D.C. and the Virgin Islands.

It’s not offered in:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Hawaii

• Nevada

• Utah

Only 28 states have ever won a Mega Millions jackpot.

? Fun Fact: The biggest Mega Millions prize ever—$1.602 billion—was won in Florida in 2023.

? Top Mega Millions Winner States

These states lead in Mega Millions jackpots:

• New York – 43

• California – 35

• New Jersey – 25

• Ohio – 21

• Michigan – 18

• Georgia – 17

• Illinois – 16

• Texas – 15

• Maryland – 11

• Virginia – 10

? Quick Takeaway

• ? Only one major jackpot winner so far in 2026

• ? Powerball is rebuilding at $80M+

• ? Mega Millions is heating up at $346M

• ? Indiana and New York lead the “lucky states” list