Near-record Megabucks has Massachusetts residents looking to $core big

That’s a lot of money!

Saturday’s drawing will be the fourth-largest ever in Megabucks history, at an estimated $16.5 million, a figure topping out as the game’s largest jackpot since 1986.

But as with all lottery games, don’t get your hopes up – the last Megabucks jackpot hit came just over a year ago, on April 21, 2025, when a ticket sold in Hyde Park won a $1.97 million drawing.

“The game was redesigned in 2023 to bring more value to players,” the Massachusetts State Lottery said in a release, “including better odds of winning, higher average jackpots, bigger payouts for all non-jackpot prizes, as well as the addition of a third weekly drawing.”

“In conjunction with these changes, the game returned to its original name, Megabucks,” the lottery added. “The game first launched in 1982.”

The cash option for Saturday’s drawing is a cool $11.14 million.

Before the game returned to its original name, a ticket sold in Ware on Sept. 10, 2022, hit on a $16.35 million jackpot, the largest winnings on a single ticket in Megabucks history.

Those looking to score big can purchase Megabucks tickets for $2 each at over 7,500 authorized Massachusetts State Lottery retailers – convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets across the Bay State.

Tickets can be bought until 9 p.m. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

The Mega Millions jackpot for Friday’s drawing was an estimated $178 million, with a $79.6 million cash option, while the Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing is an estimated $20 million, with a $9.1 million cash option.