Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $303 Million Ahead of January 30 Drawing

The Mega Millions jackpot is climbing fast as the Friday, January 30 drawing approaches. The prize has now reached $303 million, with a cash option of $136.7 million, giving players plenty to daydream about before draw time.

This is the final Mega Millions drawing of January, and so far, no one has hit the jackpot this month. Powerball, however, did see a big win recently, with a lucky ticket in North Carolina scoring $209.3 million.

? Jackpot payout choices

If someone matches all six numbers Friday night, they’ll have two options:

• Lump-sum cash paid upfront

• Annuity payments, starting immediately and growing 5% each year

? Drawing details

• Mega Millions numbers for January 30, 2026 are drawn at 11 p.m. ET

• The next drawing happens on Tuesday, February 3, also at 11 p.m. ET

? Biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever

Some of the largest prizes in game history include:

• $1.602 billion – Florida (August 8, 2023)

• $1.537 billion – South Carolina (October 23, 2018)

• $1.348 billion – Maine (January 1, 2023)

• $1.337 billion – Illinois (July 29, 2022)

• $1.269 billion – California (December 27, 2024)

?? What is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $5 and require players to choose:

• Five white balls from numbers 1–70

• One gold Mega Ball from numbers 1–24

Match all six numbers to win the jackpot. If more than one ticket wins, the prize is split.

?? How to play

• Buy a ticket at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores

• Pick your own numbers or choose Quick Pick/Easy Pick for random numbers

• Non-jackpot prizes now come with an automatic multiplier, boosting winnings by 2x to 10x at no extra cost