Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $800 Million: Where It Ranks in History
The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $800 million, adding about $100 million in just one week. While it's an eye-catching prize, it still falls just short of cracking the Top 9 biggest Mega Millions jackpots ever awarded.
Biggest Mega Millions Jackpots
- $1.602 billion – Florida (August 8, 2023)
- $1.537 billion – South Carolina (October 23, 2018)
- $1.348 billion – Maine (January 13, 2023)
- $1.337 billion – Illinois (July 29, 2022)
- $1.269 billion – California (December 27, 2024)
- $1.128 billion – New Jersey (March 26, 2024)
- $1.050 billion – Michigan (January 22, 2021)
- $980 million – Georgia (November 14, 2025)
- $810 million – Texas (September 10, 2024)
- Current Jackpot: Estimated $800 million
Before You Dream Big, Know the Rules
Winning isn't just about matching the numbers. Your final payout can vary depending on where you live.
Keep these factors in mind:
- State taxes matter. Some states take a sizable share of lottery winnings, while others don't tax lottery prizes at all.
- Federal taxes still apply no matter where you buy your ticket.
New York has produced the most Mega Millions jackpot winners since 2002, but it also has one of the highest state lottery tax rates. On the other hand, California, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not impose a state lottery tax.
Can You Stay Anonymous?
Privacy rules differ by state. Nearly 20 states allow Mega Millions jackpot winners to remain anonymous, at least for a certain period.
Those states include Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
If anonymity isn't available where you live, claiming the prize through a trust may be an option, although the trust's name is often part of the public record. Experts recommend consulting financial and legal professionals before claiming any major lottery prize.
Next Drawing
Mega Millions tickets cost $5 each and are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The next drawing is scheduled for 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.