Mega Millions Jackpot Jumps to $496 Million After No Winner Tuesday

The Mega Millions jackpot is on the move again — and it’s getting big fast. For the Tuesday, March 3 drawing, the prize climbed to $473 million, with a lump-sum cash option of $221.8 million.

? Winning Numbers for March 3, 2026

• 7, 21, 53, 54, 62

• Mega Ball: 16

But here’s the twist — no one hit the jackpot. That means the prize has now rolled up to $496 million, with a cash value of $232.6 million, heading into Friday night’s drawing.

? If You Win, Here’s Your Choice:

Winners get two payout options:

• Lump sum cash — take the money upfront.

• Annuity payments — an immediate payout followed by yearly checks that grow by 5% each year.

? When’s the Next Drawing?

The next drawing is set for Friday, March 6 at 11 p.m. ET.

? A Bit of a Dry Spell

It’s been a while since someone claimed the top prize. The last Mega Millions jackpot win happened in December, when a New Jersey ticket snagged $90 million. Meanwhile, an Arkansas player just scored a $251 million Powerball win — so lightning can strike twice!

? What Is Mega Millions?

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick 5 numbers from 1–70 (white balls)

• Pick 1 Mega Ball from 1–24

• Or go with a Quick Pick/Easy Pick and let the machine choose

Tickets cost $5, and jackpots are won by matching all six numbers. If more than one person wins, the jackpot gets split.

? Bonus: Tickets now come with a built-in multiplier that boosts non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or even 10x — no extra purchase required.

? Top 10 Biggest Mega Millions Jackpots Ever

1. $1.602 billion – August 8, 2023 (Florida)

2. $1.537 billion – October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)

3. $1.348 billion – January 1, 2023 (Maine)

4. $1.337 billion – July 29, 2022 (Illinois)

5. $1.269 billion – December 27, 2024 (California)

6. $1.128 billion – March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)

7. $1.05 billion – January 22, 2021 (Michigan)

8. $983 million – November 14, 2025 (Georgia)

9. $810 million – September 10, 2024 (Texas)

10. $656 million – March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)