Mega Millions jackpot hits $311M. See the winning numbers
Powerball jackpots are about to be much larger. Reporter explains.
USA TODAY’s Fernando Cervantes explains the historic agreement with the UK National Lottery.
The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $311 million, with a cash option of $136.4 million, for the drawing on Tuesday, May 26.
It’s now been more than two months since the last jackpot win. A single ticket in Ohio claimed a $60 million prize on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Check the latest numbers to see if you’re the next winner.
What are the winning Mega Millions numbers for May 26, 2026?
Winning numbers: 1-5-49-51-59 and the gold Mega ball: 7
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, May 29, at 11 p.m. ET.
Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots
- $1.602 billion on Aug. 8, 2023 in Florida
- $1.537 billion on Oct. 23, 2018 in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion on Jan. 1, 2023 in Maine
- $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022 in Illinois
- $1.269 billion on Dec. 27, 2024 in California
- $1.128 billion on Mar. 26, 2024 in New Jersey
- $1.05 billion on Jan 22, 2021 in Michigan
- $983 million on Nov. 14, 2025 in Georgia
- $810 million on Sept. 10, 2024 in Texas
- $656 million on March 30, 2012 in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland
What is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a lottery played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Find out where to play here.
Tickets cost $5, and players choose six numbers from two groups:
- Five numbers (1–70): white balls
- One number (1–24): gold Mega Ball
Jackpots are won by matching all six numbers. If multiple tickets hit, the jackpot is split among winners.
How to play the Mega Millions
To play, purchase a ticket at a convenience store, gas station, grocery store or, in some states, online.
Then select five white-ball numbers (1–70) and one Mega Ball number (1–24)
Players can also choose Quick Pick/Easy Pick, which randomly generates numbers.
Tickets include a built-in multiplier that boosts non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This content is sourced from www.usatoday.com and is shared for informational purposes only.
