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Tag: Mega Millions

  • Colorado bill aims to reverse lottery commission’s approval of online sales and credit card use

    DENVER — Colorado lawmakers are challenging newly approved rules that let you buy lottery products online or with a credit card.

    The Colorado Lottery Commission approved online lottery sales and credit card purchases in November, despite pushback from both sides of the aisle. Legislators are now responding with Senate Bill 117, which would ban online sales and return lottery purchases to cash only.

    State Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-District 26, is one of the bill’s prime sponsors and was also among 25 lawmakers who signed a letter urging the commission not to make the change.
    Bridges said the commission’s decision to move forward anyway is what prompted the legislation.

    According to the Colorado Lottery, the commissioners approved the rule changes in an effort to modernize the state’s lottery system. Colorado Lottery Director Tom Seaver defended the commission’s decision when Denver7 spoke with him in November.

    “We are very, very confident that we followed the appropriate steps,” Seaver said. “The commission had the right to make the rule changes that they did.”

    The lottery commission has “the authority to promulgate rules and amend existing rules related to the sale of Lottery products and the operation of the Lottery pursuant to C.R.S. 44-40-109,” according to the Colorado Lottery website.

    The commission said the changes would not take effect for several months as they work to establish tools to promote responsible gaming.

    Legislators have argued that a change of this magnitude should require legislative review or even a statewide vote.

    “Of all the times, especially given the affordability crisis we have, this is not when we should be making it easier for folks to lose money to the state through online gambling,” Bridges said.

    If the bill passes, lottery tickets would once again be available only at physical retail locations, such as grocery stores.

    For Denver resident Mario Ortiz, that wouldn’t be much of a change.

    “I buy my scratch tickets straight from the store and pay cash all the time,” Ortiz said.

    The bill is set for its next hearing on March 3.

    “If they want to come back and have a further conversation, we look forward to it, but it’s not something that is good for the people of Colorado. It’s not something that I think the legislature will let stand,” Bridges said.

    Colorado bill aims to reverse lottery commission’s approval of online sales and credit card use

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  • Florida Player Wins $3M from Mega Millions

    The Friday Mega Millions drawing went without a jackpot winner but that doesn’t mean that it went without a big winner, since a lucky player in Florida won a $3 million prize.

    The Sun Shone Upon the Lucky Florida Player

    While Mega Millions players usually strive for the big payout, last Friday’s drawing was yet another miss as the game’s top prize remained unclaimed. While no one managed to match all six numbers correctly, there were a few players who matched five to win various prizes.

    The winning white numbers for the January 31 Mega Millions drawing were 11, 34, 36, 43, and 63. The Mega Ball, on the other hand, was 13.

    Matching all six numbers correctly would have resulted in a $303 million windfall. A potential winner could have also picked the lump sum option of $136.7 million rather than the annuity.

    In any case, that didn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean there were no winners. Official data shows that a single lucky player in Florida has guessed all white numbers correctly to win a seven-figure sum. Due to their 3X multiplier, the player will take home a mouth-watering $3 million.

    At the same time, five players managed to match four white numbers plus the Mega Ball. Three of them will take home $20,000 each, while two others will take home $30,000 due to their 3X multiplier.

    In the meantime, the Mega Millions jackpot has continued to grow. The game’s top prize has now reached $323 million with a cash value of $145.7 million. The next drawing is set to take place on Tuesday, February 3, at 11 pm ET.

    Other Big Prizes That Landed Recently

    In other news, the lucky winner of the $209.3 million jackpot from the recent Powerball drawing just came forward to claim their prize, but chose to remain anonymous.

    Elsewhere, a lottery enthusiast from Wisconsin just has won a mouth-watering $1.5 million prize from the state lottery’s Megabucks game. While this prize came too late for Christmas, it arrived just in time for Super Bowl season.

    Elsewhere, an Illinois player previously became the recipient of a $550K prize after matching all five numbers in Wednesday’s Lotto drawing.

    The Florida Lottery, on the other hand, announced that two players who won seven-figure prizes, including a player of Homosassa, who won $2 million, and a player of Boynton Beach, who won $1 million.

    Angel Hristov

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  • See who sold the ticket that won $3 million for a South Florida lottery player

    Friday’s big draw game winner among the Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Jackpot Triple Play and Fantasy 5 draw games won almost 25 times more money than the day’s lone jackpot winner.

    And, that big winner came from Broward County.

    READ MORE: Inspectors find ‘black, mold-like’ substances and old food at a Hialeah Sedano’s

    Not that the winner of Friday’s Fantasy 5 evening drawing will turn down that $122,166 jackpot. The older of that Quick Pick ticket with 6, 20, 22, 29 and 34 bought it at a Tallahassee Winn-Dixie.

    At the Hallandale Beach Winn-Dixie Liquor, 1055 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., a Mega Millions player bought a Quick Pick ticket with 11, 34, 36, 43 and 63. Though the ticket lacked the Megaball, 13, getting the five numbers with a triple multiplier made it a $3 million winner.

    By the rules stated on the Florida Lottery website, a $3 million ticket must be cashed at Florida Lottery main headquarters in Tallahassee. But lottery releases have said larger tickets have been cashed at district offices. The Miami district office is at 14621 Oak Ln. in Miami Lakes, and can be reached at MIARC@flalottery.com or 305-364-3080.

    David J. Neal

    Miami Herald

    Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.

    David J. Neal

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  • Mega Millions ticket hits a big prize at NC grocery store. Does the winner know?

    A Mega Millons ticket bought at this North Carolina grocery store won $2 million, lottery officials said on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2026.

    A Mega Millons ticket bought at this North Carolina grocery store won $2 million, lottery officials said on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2026.

    Street View image from November 2025. © 2026 Google

    A Mega Millions ticket bought Friday at a North Carolina grocery store is worth $2 million, lottery officials said Saturday.

    The winner might not know it, as no one immediately claimed the prize, officials said.

    A person bought the $5 ticket at H&M Grocery on U.S. 311 South in Sophia, according to a lottery news release. Sophia is between Greensboro and Asheboro in Randolph County.

    The numbers matched those on all five white balls to win $1 million, officials said. With the new built-in multiplier, the prize doubled.

    A Mega Millions ticket bought Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at a North Carolina grocery store is worth $2 million, lottery officials said.
    A Mega Millions ticket bought Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at a North Carolina grocery store is worth $2 million, lottery officials said. NC EDUCATION LOTTERY

    The numbers were 2, 22, 33, 42 and 67, according to the Mega Millions game page.

    A player in Texas also won $2 million in Friday’s drawing, the largest prize won nationally, according to the NC lottery.

    The odds of matching all five numbers are 1 in 12.6 million.

    The NC winner has six months to claim their prize.

    The jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing climbed to $250 million as an annuity and $113.5 million cash. The odds of matching all the numbers plus the Megaball are 1 in 290 million.

    Players can buy Mega Millions tickets at lottery retailers, through Online Play on the lottery’s website and on the lottery app.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Joe Marusak

    The Charlotte Observer

    Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news.
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  • Gossip Surrounds Missing Arkansas Powerball Winner

    Posted on: January 17, 2026, 03:29h. 

    Last updated on: January 17, 2026, 03:29h.

    • The Powerball ticket worth $1.817 billion, sold in Arkansas, remains at large
    • The Arkansas Lottery says the ticket must be redeemed by June 22, 2026

    Gossip is running rampant across Arkansas regarding who is the lucky winner of the Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion.

    Powerball jackpot Arkansas winner
    The Powerball jackpot struck in Cabot on Christmas Eve. Nearly a month later, the $1.817 billion ticket has not yet been redeemed with the Arkansas Lottery. (Image: Shutterstock)

    It’s been nearly a month since a ticket sold at the Murphy USA gas station in Cabot next to the Walmart Supercenter matched the Dec. 24 Powerball numbers of 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19. The winner of the life-changing windfall has the choice of receiving the full jackpot paid out over 29 years or a one-time cash option of $834.9 million. Both are before federal and state taxes.

    Major lottery winners typically consult with an attorney and/or financial advisor before coming forward. But as the clock ticks, rumors about what’s going on grow louder.

    If I go into a local grocery store, if I go anywhere in town, someone asks me about it,” Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans (R-Cabot) told the Arkansas Advocate. “Typically, it’s, ‘Hey Brian, were you the winner?’”

    Evans is not the winner, he says. Being an elected official, Evans would not be afforded the state’s three-year anonymity privilege.

    Lottery Gossip

    Arkansas allows a Powerball ticket to be redeemed within 180 days of the draw. That means the Christmas Eve Powerball ticket must be redeemed by June 22, 2026.

    With Cabot centrally located and the ticket purchased at a gas station just off Interstate 57, which nearly runs the length of the state from Missouri to Texas, the winner could truly be anyone. It could be an Arkansas resident, or someone passing through who decided to grab a Powerball play.

    Neighbors are looking across the street, wondering if they’re the ones poised to become massively rich. Colleagues are inquiring at the water cooler if their coworker is readying to quit and cash in the Powerball ticket.

    But as each day passes, more speculation arises that the winning paper ticket might be lost or accidentally trashed. The ticket won’t be redeemed until at least Tuesday, Jan. 21, as the Arkansas Lottery’s Claim Centers are closed on the weekends and on Monday, Jan. 20, in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

    The winner, in addition to choosing between the annuity or lump sum, must also decide whether they will remain anonymous for three years. After three years, Arkansas requires lottery winners to become part of the public record.

    The $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot is the second-largest lottery prize in US history behind the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in November 2022.

    Is Tonight Your Turn?

    Time will tell if the Christmas Eve Powerball drawing indeed changed someone’s life. Tonight is another opportunity, though the jackpot is a considerably smaller prize.

    Powerball has grown from the Christmas Eve hit to an estimated jackpot of $179 million for tonight’s draw. The lump sum option is at $81.5 million.

    Mega Millions currently has a larger jackpot at $250 million ($113.5 million cash). Mega Millions is next drawn on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

    Devin O’Connor

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  • Virginia Lottery wants you to be aware of a scam when buying tickets this holiday season – WTOP News

    The executive director of the Virginia Lottery said the newest scam states that you can win a $5 billion Mega Millions jackpot by following a link sent to you on social media. 

    The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated grand prize of $1.25 billion as of Wednesday night. However, if you’re planning on playing the lottery to try to win your millions, there’s a new scam you should be aware of.

    Khalid Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, said the newest scam they’re alerting the public to states that you can win a $5 billion Mega Millions jackpot by following a link sent to you on social media.

    “It’s still sort of bold and striking, smacking me in my face every time I look at it,” Jones said. “This is something that is just clearly erroneous from the start.”

    Jones said one of the biggest red flags is the fact “there’s no such thing as a guaranteed winner.”

    He also said that the amount of money is clearly not right.

    “They talk about a $5 billion jackpot. Mega Millions, the largest jackpot in the history of any game in America, has only been a little bit north of $2 billion,” he said.

    Jones recommended authenticating a real Mega Millions ticket by going to a Virginia Lottery retailer and making sure you see the proper logo.

    “The foolproof way is … you see those interlocking fingers, and you walk into the store, and they’ve got they got our tickets in there. Then, you know you’re playing someplace that is ours,” he said.

    He said you can also play online but make sure you’re on the right website.

    “If it’s not your retailer, and it’s not on your phone at VAlottery.com or on your computer, then it’s not us,” Jones said. “We put a notice immediately up on MegaMillions.com, and just started really going after getting this taken away.”

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Valerie Bonk

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  • Powerball Tickets Miss $1 Billion Jackpot by a Single Number

    Posted on: December 14, 2025, 12:05h. 

    Last updated on: December 14, 2025, 12:05h.

    • No ticket won the Powerball jackpot on Saturday
    • The jackpot rolls to an estimated $1.1 billion

    Saturday’s Powerball numbers were 1, 28, 31, 57, 58, and the red Powerball was 16.

    Powerball jackpot lottery results
    People wait in line to purchase lottery tickets at a liquor store in California in July 2022. The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.1 billion after no ticket has hit the top prize for 42 consecutive drawings. (Image: Shutterstock)

    With no ticket matching all six drawn numbers last night, Powerball has now gone 42 drawings without a jackpot win. Saturday set a record for the longest drought in Powerball history.

    This jackpot streak is bringing people together to dream big during this festive time of year,” said Matt Strawn, chair of the Powerball Product Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. “Just one $2 Powerball ticket gives you a chance to win this jackpot while also supporting good causes in your community.”

    Strawn encouraged the public to “play responsibly.”

    Powerball is played in 45 states, plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

    The odds of a ticket hitting the jackpot are more than 1 in 292.2 million. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9.

    The jackpot rolls to an estimated $1.1 billion for Monday’s drawing at 10:59 pm ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. The cash option is $503.4 million. At $1.1 billion, the jackpot is the sixth-largest in Powerball history.

    Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

    1. $2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA
    2. $1.787 Billion – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX
    3. $1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 – CA
    4. $1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
    5. $1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR
    6. $1.1 Billion – Dec. 15, 2025
    7. $1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA
    8. $842.4 Million – January 1, 2024 – MI
    9. $768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI
    10. $758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA

    Tickets Almost Hit Big

    During Saturday’s drawing, 68 tickets almost hit the Powerball jackpot. The plays matched five of the six drawn numbers.

    Seven of the plays that nearly hit the game’s top prize matched all five white balls but not the red Powerball to claim $1 million payouts. Two included the $1 optional Power Play to double their windfalls to $2 million. The two $2 million tickets were sold in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

    The odds of matching the five white balls are 1 in more than 11.68 million.

    Forty-nine tickets matched four white balls and the red Powerball to claim $50,000 wins. A dozen others matched four white balls and the Powerball that had the Power Play to double their payouts to $100,000.

    The odds of matching four white balls and the Powerball are 1 in more than 913,000.

    In total, 3,020,795 Powerball tickets won a prize last night. More than half simply hit the red Powerball to win $2.

    Don’t Gift Kids Lottery Tickets

    US lotteries are reminding consumers not to gift lottery tickets to kids or anyone else not old enough to play lawfully. As Casino.org reported earlier this month, the National Council on Problem Gambling has partnered with a record 67 lotteries to get out the word that lottery tickets make poor gifts for children.

    “Young people are increasingly exposed to gambling long before they’re ready to understand the risks. Through the Gift Responsibly and Too Young to Bet campaigns, we’re equipping parents and educators with information about the importance of keeping gambling out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, NCPG board president.

    Devin O’Connor

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  • Lottery News: Mega Millions Jackpot Hits, Powerball Reaches $1B

    Posted on: December 13, 2025, 08:42h. 

    Last updated on: December 13, 2025, 08:42h.

    • A New Jersey man quickly redeemed his $90 million Mega Millions prize
    • Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is an estimated $1 billion
    • Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is giving away free Powerball tickets through a marketing promotion

    The Mega Millions winner who won a $90 million jackpot during the Dec. 2 drawing didn’t waste much time deliberating how to receive his life-changing funds.

    lottery news Powerball Mega Millions jackpot
    People purchase lottery tickets at a liquor store in Hawthorne, CA, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. The Powerball jackpot for the Dec. 13, 2025, drawing is an estimated $1 billion. (Image: Getty)

    Mega Millions reports that a man walked into a New Jersey Lottery office just days after his ticket matched the winning numbers of 17, 25, 26, 53, 60, and the gold Mega Ball 16.

    While the winner wished to remain anonymous, he shared some interesting details about what had preempted his Mega Millions win.

    I was up (the night of the drawing). Hoping for something. Then, whomp, a bird hit my window,” the newly minted multimillionaire told lottery officials. “I knew something was coming for me, but I didn’t know just what.”

    “I played some of my numbers for Pick-4. Nothing,” the player said, explaining his winless streak prompted him to try his luck on Mega Millions, a jackpot that comes with odds of 1 in 290.47 million.

    “I finished work, and I came in and played the Mega and used all of my numbers,” the winner said.

    The New Jersey man opted for the one-time cash option of $41.9 million. After federal and state taxes, the payout came to about $24 million. 

    Powerball Hits $1 Billion

    Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is an estimated $1 billion, with the cash value at $457.7 million. The jackpot ranks as the seventh-largest in Powerball history.

    The current Powerball run has endured 41 drawings without a jackpot hit. If the jackpot isn’t won tonight, the run will set a new record for the longest Powerball drought.

    The streak also makes history by marking the first back-to-back jackpot of more than $1 billion in any US lottery game’s history.

    Top Ten Powerball Jackpots

    1. $2.04 Billion – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA
    2. $1.787 Billion – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX
    3. $1.765 Billion – Oct. 11, 2023 – CA
    4. $1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
    5. $1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024 – OR
    6. $1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023 – CA
    7. $1 Billion est. – Dec. 13, 2025
    8. $842.4 Million – Jan. 1, 2024 – MI
    9. $768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI
    10. $758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA

    Portnoy Slings Jackpocket Following Michigan Man Meltdown

    Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy took time out of his Michigan Man meltdown on X to shill Jackpocket, DraftKings’ courier service that allows users to purchase lottery tickets online in 15 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

    Portnoy, on a quick break from being hysterical about the scandal surrounding Michigan’s former football coach, Sherrone Moore, told his 3.7 million X followers how to get a free Powerball play for tonight’s $1 billion jackpot.

    “It’s jackpot season. We teamed up with Jackpocket, the best way to download lottery tickets right on your phone,” Portnoy said. “I’m paying attention, Powerball, Mega Millions, these jackpots are going to the moon.”

    Devin O’Connor

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  • Lottery jackpots are getting bigger and harder to win. See the data on Powerball and Mega Millions’ top prizes.

    Lottery jackpots have exploded in size over the last decade.

    When Powerball launched in 1992, the first jackpot was $5.9 million, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. Now, the largest Powerball jackpot on record was the $2.04 billion prize won on Nov. 7, 2022.

    Mega Millions followed a similar path. Its first jackpot winner in 2002 took home $28 million. Its record prize — a $1.602 billion jackpot won on Aug. 8, 2023 — ranks as the fourth-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

    Twelve out of the 20 largest jackpots have occurred since 2023.

    Here are the biggest U.S. jackpot wins:


    Only five states don’t sell lottery tickets: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

    While the prizes are huge, the odds of winning still remain extremely low. Over the last three decades, both games have been redesigned multiple times. Changes have pushed jackpots higher while also adding more ways for players to win smaller prizes.

    Powerball players choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. In 2015, Powerball increased its number of white balls from 59 to 69 and its number of red balls decreased from 35 to 26. 

    Before the change, the odds of winning the jackpot were 1 in 175.2 million and the overall odds of winning any prize were 1 in 31.85. After the redesign, the jackpot odds became steeper, 1 in 292.2 million, while the overall odds of winning a prize improved to 1 in 24.9, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association.

    Powerball odds (Table)


    Mega Millions requires players to pick five different numbers from one to 70 and one Mega Ball number from one to 24. A ticket wins the jackpot by matching all six numbers in a drawing. 

    In 2025, Mega Millions changed its games to a larger starting jackpot ($50 million vs. $20 million), which “improved odds to win the jackpot and improved overall odds,” according to Dan Miller, a spokesperson for Mega Millions.

    “Everyone who wins is winning more because of the embedded multiplier in the new game that takes all non-jackpot prizes and multiplies them by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X,” Miller said in an email. Through Friday, Dec. 5, he said, “there have been 70 drawings in the new game. In that time, players have won $531 million in non-jackpot prizes. In the old game, those same prizes would have been valued at $119.8 million. That’s a 343% increase in player winnings.”

    For example, under the old rules, matching just the Mega Ball was a break-even outcome: a $2 ticket earned a $2 prize. Under the new game, that same match now comes with a built-in multiplier. The minimum prize is $5, which is then multiplied — meaning a player can now win $10, $15, $20, $25 or even $50 instead of just $2.

    The odds to win the jackpot improved from 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290.5 million. This is because of Mega Millions removing the one gold Mega Ball from the game, Miller said.

    Mega Millions odds (Table)


    The new game has 24 Mega Balls instead of 25, which improves the odds of picking the right combinations of numbers to win the jackpot. The overall odds to win any prize went from 1 in 24 to 1 in 23.

    There’s more money in play as well: Powerball increased the price of a ticket from $1 to $2 in 2012. Mega Millions increased its ticket prices from $1 to $2 in 2017 and from $2 to $5 in April of this year.

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  • Player from Newnan, Georgia, Wins $980M Mega Millions Prize

    An extremely lucky player in Georgia has made history by winning the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, which is the largest jackpot ever won in the Peach State. The player has also become the recipient of one of the most substantial prizes ever offered by Mega Millions.

    The Jackpot Has Finally Been Won

    According to Mega Millions’ official announcement, the Friday drawing crowned a Newnan player as the winner of the mouth-watering $980 million jackpot. For context, the winning numbers for the November 14 drawing were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with a Mega Ball of 7.

    Lottery officials confirmed that the winning ticket was sold at Publix #1816, located at 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan. The store is eligible to receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

    As mentioned, the incredible prize is the biggest jackpot ever won in Georgia, surpassing the $478.2 million Powerball jackpot that a player in Buford won in 2024. That prize had a cash option of $230.6 million.

    For comparison, the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot has a cash value of $452.2 million before tax, should the winner opt to take the lump sum rather than the annuity. In any case, the Georgia Lottery provides winning players with 180 days to claim their prize.

    The Largest Prize Since the Recent Mega Millions Changes

    Gretchen Corbin, the president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Lottery, was excited about the win, saying that his team is thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in the Peach State’s history.

    With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners. We appreciate our players and retailers for their support of our mission.

    Gretchen Corbin, president & CEO, Georgia Lottery

    Joshua Johnston, the lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, was similarly excited about the huge prize. He noted that the prize is the largest that has been won since the Mega Millions changes in April.

    Congratulations to our big winner from Georgia and to all our players who are winning more than ever with this new version of the game.

    Joshua Johnson, lead director, Mega Millions Consortium

    In other news, the North Carolina Education Lottery just announced that a player from Charlotte has won a life-changing $4 million prize from one of its scratch-off games.

    Angel Hristov

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  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says. “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality. The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery. The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared. There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002. Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23. There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing. Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law. Sometimes gambling can become addictive. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.” It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says.

    “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.

    Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality.

    The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

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  • Mega Millions single ticket holder nabs largest jackpot in Georgia’s history – $980 million


    A single ticket holder in Georgia nabbed the state’s largest jackpot ever in a Mega Millions drawing Friday night — $980 million.

    Friday’s winning numbers were 1-8-11-12-57 and the Mega Ball was 7. The single ticket was purchased at Publix in Newnan, Georgia, Mega Millions said. Newnan is about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta.

    The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $452.2 million.

    “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in a statement. 

    The state’s previous record was set when a Powerball ticket sold in Buford, Georgia, on Oct. 23, 2024, garnered a $478.2 million jackpot. The prize was split between two people who selected the cash option of $230.6 million.

    Mega Millions in April rolled out several changes for 2025, including new ticket prices, jackpots and an increase in the odds of winning, according to the multistate lottery game. 

    Ticket prices increased — but so did the chance for winning the jackpot, the lottery said. 

    Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. Eastern time. Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.602 billion, won on Aug. 8, 2023, when a single winning ticket was sold in Florida.

    Alex Sundby

    contributed to this report.

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  • Single Ticket Wins Huge Mega Millions Jackpot – KXL

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia matched all six numbers and won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, despite the odds of winning the grand prize being one in 290.5 million.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the Mega Ball 7.

    The winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes.

    The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27th of this year, a game record, officials said.

    More about:

    Tim Lantz

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  • Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $754M for Halloween Drawing

    While most of the US is looking forward to trick-or-treating, lottery players are awaiting the next Mega Millions jackpot with bated breath. With a drawing set to take place amid the festivities, fans are looking forward to seeing whether a lucky player will win the tempting nine-figure jackpot.

    A Shocking Halloween Jackpot Awaits

    Mega Millions announced that its upcoming drawing will boast the largest jackpot the game has ever offered on Halloween. After evading players for a while, the jackpot has now reached a staggering $754 million, with a cash value of $352.8 million.

    The previous drawing took place on Tuesday but was rather unexciting for most. In addition to not crowning a winner of the jackpot, then standing at $714 million with a cash value of $334.1 million, Mega Millions failed to elect a winner of a seven-figure sum.

    Still, eight players succeeded in matching the four white balls and the Mega Ball. Due to varying multipliers, three of those players won $20,000 each, another three took prizes of $30,000 each, while two took home prizes of $40,000 each.

    In total, the October 28 drawing reported 502,089 winning tickets, with Mega Millions handing out prizes totaling roughly $10.1 million.

    For context, the winning numbers were 2, 19, 33, 53, and 61, with a Mega Ball of 14.

    The Jackpot Has Been Growing for Months

    Mega Millions noted that tomorrow’s drawing would mark the seventh time in Mega Millions history that a drawing has taken place on Halloween. However, none of the previous instances has offered a jackpot quite like the current one.

    The jackpot has been growing for several months now. The previous one was won in Virginia on June 27 and stood at $348 million. Since then, the jackpot has avoided players’ attempts to win a total of 35 times.

    In that time, 17 players have managed to win seven-figure sums after matching all balls with the exception of the Mega Ball.

    Mega Millions has so far awarded 4 jackpots in 2025. These included the aforementioned June 27 jackpot, as well as three earlier prizes won by players in Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona, standing at $112 million (April 18), $349 million (March 25), and $112 million (January 17), respectively.

    Angel Hristov

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  • Mega Millions players win millions across US. Where were lucky tickets sold?

    Mega Millions players in Arizona and Texas won millions, just missing the $600 million jackpot, lottery officials said.

    The tickets matched five winning numbers but not the Mega Ball in the drawing Tuesday, Oct. 14, the national Mega Millions site said..

    The lucky tickets also matched a 2x multiplier to win $2 million each.

    The winning numbers were 12, 22, 49, 57 and 58 with a Mega Ball of 19, the lottery said.

    Mega Millions jackpot rises

    Nobody won the grand prize, which now rises to an estimated $625 million, with a cash option of approximately $288.8 million, for the next drawing Friday, Oct. 17, the national Mega Millions site said..

    More than 400,000 other tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $10 to $50,000 in the drawing, the lottery said.

    The Mega Millions jackpot was last hit June 27, when a Virginia player won the $348 million grand prize, lottery officials said.

    What to know about Mega Millions

    To score the jackpot in the Mega Millions, a player must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball. The odds of scoring a jackpot prize are 1 in 290,472,336.

    Tickets cost $5 and can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times vary by state.

    Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET and can be streamed online.

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

    Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

    If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

    Don Sweeney

    The Sacramento Bee

    Don Sweeney has been a newspaper reporter and editor in California for more than 25 years. He has been a real-time reporter based at The Sacramento Bee since 2016.

    Don Sweeney

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  • Mega Millions players win big in California. Where were the lucky tickets sold?

    Two Mega Millions players in California won big prizes, just missing the $547 million jackpot, lottery officials said. The tickets matched five winning numbers but not the Mega Ball in the drawing Tuesday, Oct. 7, the California Lottery said.

    One ticket won $241,628 on a 4x multiplier and one won $302,035 on a 5x multiplier, lottery officials said.

    California adjusts lottery prizes based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners.

    The winning tickets were sold at a 7-Eleven in La Crescenta, which is about a 15-mile drive north from downtown Los Angeles, and a Ramco Express gas station in Bakersfield.

    A ticket sold in New Jersey won $3 million, national lottery officials said.

    The winning numbers were 17, 26, 33, 45 and 56 with a Mega Ball of 19, the lottery said.

    Mega Millions jackpot rises

    Nobody won the grand prize, which now rises to an estimated $575 million, with a cash option of approximately $264.6 million, for the next drawing Friday, Oct. 10.

    More than 360,000 other tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $10 to $50,000 in the drawing, the lottery said.

    The Mega Millions jackpot was last hit June 27, when a Virginia player won the $348 million grand prize, lottery officials said.

    What to know about Mega Millions

    To score the jackpot in the Mega Millions, a player must match all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball. The odds of scoring a jackpot prize are 1 in 290,472,336.

    Tickets cost $5 and can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times vary by state.

    Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET and can be streamed online.

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

    Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

    If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

    Don Sweeney

    The Sacramento Bee

    Don Sweeney has been a newspaper reporter and editor in California for more than 25 years. He has been a real-time reporter based at The Sacramento Bee since 2016.

    Don Sweeney

    Source link

  • Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for Sept. 26

    The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sept. 26, 2025, results for each game:

    Winning Mega Millions numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    04-21-27-33-49, Mega Ball: 21

    Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Pick 4 numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    1PM: 0-9-8-3

    4PM: 6-1-5-1

    7PM: 2-8-9-9

    10PM: 7-0-2-5

    Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

    When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

    • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

    • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.

    • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

    • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

    • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

    Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

    Where can you buy lottery tickets?

    Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

    You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

    Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.

    This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for Sept. 26

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  • Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Sept. 26, 2025

    The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sept. 26, 2025, results for each game:

    Winning Mega Millions numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    04-21-27-33-49, Mega Ball: 21

    Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Pick 3 numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    Midday: 6-5-7

    Midday Wild: 7

    Evening: 7-6-3

    Evening Wild: 0

    Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Pick 4 numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    Midday: 2-0-7-4

    Midday Wild: 7

    Evening: 1-8-0-9

    Evening Wild: 7

    Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Cash4Life numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    19-22-27-44-60, Cash Ball: 01

    Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Cash Pop numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    Early Bird: 01

    Morning: 04

    Matinee: 04

    Prime Time: 09

    Night Owl: 01

    Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    10-22-32-36-39

    Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

    Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

    Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

    All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

    To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

    Ticket Redemption

    Missouri Lottery

    P.O. Box 7777

    Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

    For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

    For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

    When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

    • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

    • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.

    • Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.

    • Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.

    • Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.

    • Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.

    • Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

    • Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

    This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Sept. 26, 2025

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  • Mass Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Sept. 26, 2025

    The Massachusetts Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sept. 26, 2025, results for each game:

    Winning Mega Millions numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    04-21-27-33-49, Mega Ball: 21

    Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    22-30-33-37-43, Lucky Ball: 14

    Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning The Numbers Game numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    Midday: 6-7-1-8

    Evening: 8-2-4-5

    Check The Numbers Game payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning MassCash Evening numbers from Sept. 26 drawing

    Evening: 01-04-07-16-34

    Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

    When are the Massachusetts Lottery drawings held?

    • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

    • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays

    • Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. ET daily

    • The Numbers Game: 2 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET daily

    • MassCash: 9 p.m. ET daily

    • Megabucks: 9 p.m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

    Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

    Where can you buy lottery tickets?

    Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

    You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

    Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Massachusetts editor. You can send feedback using this form.

    This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Mass Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Sept. 26, 2025

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  • Washington Lottery Mega Millions, Cash Pop results for Sept. 23, 2025

    The Washington Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sept. 23, 2025, results for each game:

    Winning Mega Millions numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    13-24-41-42-70, Mega Ball: 18

    Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Cash Pop numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    01

    Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Pick 3 numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    0-2-1

    Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Match 4 numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    01-06-14-20

    Check Match 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Hit 5 numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    04-05-17-23-28

    Check Hit 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

    Winning Keno numbers from Sept. 23 drawing

    01-06-10-14-17-20-23-24-28-31-32-34-38-44-50-59-61-69-73-80

    Check Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

    Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

    Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

    All Washington Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Washington Lottery’s regional offices.

    To claim by mail, complete a winner claim form and the information on the back of the ticket, making sure you have signed it, and mail it to:

    Washington Lottery Headquarters

    PO Box 43050

    Olympia, WA 98504-3050

    For in-person claims, visit a Washington Lottery regional office and bring a winning ticket, photo ID, Social Security card and a voided check (optional).

    Olympia Headquarters

    Everett Regional Office

    Federal Way Office

    Spokane Department of Imagination

    Vancouver Office

    Tri-Cities Regional Office

    For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Washington Lottery prize claim page.

    When are the Washington Lottery drawings held?

    • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

    • Mega Millions: 8 p.m. PT Tuesday and Friday.

    • Cash Pop: 8 p.m. PT daily.

    • Match 4: 8 p.m. PT daily.

    • Daily Keno: 8 p.m. PT daily.

    • Lotto: 8 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

    • Powerball Double Play: 8:30 p.m. PT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

    This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Washington editor. You can send feedback using this form.

    This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington Lottery Mega Millions, Cash Pop results for Sept. 23, 2025

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