If you have ever dreamed about winning a life-changing amount of money overnight then you have probably heard of Mega Millions. It is one of the most popular and exciting lottery games in the United States and right now in February 2026 the excitement is at an all-time high. The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to a staggering $416 million with a cash option value of $193.1 million. The next drawing is tonight Friday February 20 2026 at 11 p.m. ET and millions of Americans are already rushing to buy their tickets.
Whether you are a first-time player wondering how the game works a regular player checking the Mega Millions results today or someone curious about who won the Mega Millions jackpot in 2026 this complete guide covers everything you need to know. From understanding the odds to learning how to claim your prize we break it all down in simple easy-to-understand terms.
What Is Mega Millions?
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game played across 45 states in the United States as well as Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is one of the two biggest lottery games in America the other being Powerball. Every week millions of people buy tickets hoping to match the winning numbers and take home a massive jackpot that can sometimes reach into the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
The game was originally launched in 1996 under the name “The Big Game” and was later rebranded as Mega Millions in 2002. Since then it has grown into one of the largest and most recognized lottery brands in the world. The Mega Millions lottery holds drawings every Tuesday and Friday evening giving players two chances every week to win big.
What makes Mega Millions so exciting is the sheer size of its jackpots. Unlike smaller state lotteries where prizes may top out at a few million dollars Mega Millions jackpots regularly grow into the hundreds of millions. The jackpot starts at $20 million and rolls over every time there is no winner meaning the prize keeps growing until someone finally matches all six numbers.
Mega Millions Jackpot Today: $416 Million February 20 2026
Tonight is a big night for lottery players across the country. The Mega Millions jackpot for Friday February 20 2026 stands at an estimated $416 million with a cash option of $193.1 million. This is one of the largest jackpots of 2026 so far and the excitement is palpable.
The last drawing took place on Tuesday February 17 2026. The winning numbers were 3 37 44 52 63 and Mega Ball 14. There were no jackpot winners in that drawing which is why the prize has rolled over and grown even larger for tonight’s drawing.
If you are checking the Mega Millions winning numbers today 2026 and wondering whether your ticket is a winner the official results for tonight’s February 20 drawing will be announced at 11 p.m. ET. You can check the winning numbers on the official Mega Millions website your state lottery’s website or through various lottery result apps.
The previous Mega Millions jackpot winner in 2026 was from Texas. A winning ticket was sold in Wichita Falls Texas on January 16 2026 which means the jackpot has been rolling over since then growing week after week to reach tonight’s massive $416 million prize.
How Does Mega Millions Work?
Understanding how Mega Millions lottery works is the first step to playing smart. The game is straightforward but there are a few important details every player should know.
To play Mega Millions you pick five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one additional number called the Mega Ball from 1 to 24. Each ticket costs $5 per play. You can choose your numbers manually or you can opt for a Quick Pick where the computer randomly selects your numbers for you. Many players prefer the Quick Pick option because it is convenient and just as likely to produce a winning combination as any personally chosen numbers.
Drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. To win the jackpot your ticket must match all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball. However there are nine different prize tiers in total meaning you can win smaller prizes even if you do not match all six numbers.
One feature that makes Mega Millions extra exciting is the Multiplier which is automatically included with every ticket at no extra cost. The Multiplier is randomly assigned at the time of purchase and can be 2X 3X 4X 5X or 10X. It multiplies any non-jackpot prize you win which means a $10000 second-tier prize could become $100000 with a 10X Multiplier.
Mega Millions Winning Numbers Today 2026 Recent Results
Here is a look at the most recent Mega Millions results from February 2026:
February 17 2026: 3 – 37 – 44 – 52 – 63 | Mega Ball: 14
February 13 2026: 34 – 40 – 49 – 59 – 68 | Mega Ball: 1
February 10 2026: 5 – 25 – 30 – 36 – 68 | Mega Ball: 6
February 6 2026: 13 – 21 – 25 – 52 – 62 | Mega Ball: 19
February 3 2026: 5 – 11 – 22 – 25 – 69 | Mega Ball: 21
None of these drawings produced a jackpot winner which is why the prize has continued to roll over and reach the current level of $416 million. If tonight’s drawing on February 20 2026 also produces no jackpot winner the prize will grow even larger for the next drawing.
Who Won the Mega Millions Jackpot in 2026?
The most recent Mega Millions jackpot winner February 2026 story dates back to January 16 2026. A winning ticket was sold in Wichita Falls Texas ending a long jackpot run at that time. Since then no one has matched all six numbers which is why the prize has been rolling over and building up to the current $416 million jackpot.
Throughout Mega Millions history there have been some truly jaw-dropping jackpot wins. The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever was $1.602 billion won in August 2023. Other massive wins have taken place across the country with lucky winners coming from states like California Florida New York and Michigan.
The Mega Millions jackpot winner February 2026 story is still being written. Tonight’s drawing could produce the next big winner or the jackpot could continue to roll over and grow even larger.
Mega Millions Odds of Winning What Are Your Chances?
This is the question everyone asks and the honest answer is that the odds are steep. The Mega Millions odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302575350. That is roughly 1 in 290 million which means winning the jackpot is extraordinarily rare.
However the overall odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions are much better at approximately 1 in 24. This means that roughly one in every 24 tickets wins something even if it is just a small prize.
Here is a breakdown of the different prize tiers and their odds:
Matching all 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball wins the jackpot with odds of 1 in 302575350. Matching all 5 numbers without the Mega Ball wins $1000000 with odds of 1 in 12607306. Matching 4 numbers plus the Mega Ball wins $10000 with odds of 1 in 931001. Matching 4 numbers without the Mega Ball wins $500 with odds of 1 in 38792. Matching 3 numbers plus the Mega Ball wins $200 with odds of 1 in 14547. Matching 3 numbers without the Mega Ball wins $10 with odds of 1 in 606. Matching 2 numbers plus the Mega Ball wins $10 with odds of 1 in 693. Matching 1 number plus the Mega Ball wins $4 with odds of 1 in 89. Matching only the Mega Ball wins $2 with odds of 1 in 37.
While the jackpot odds are admittedly very long people win smaller prizes in every single drawing. And of course someone eventually wins the jackpot which is exactly why millions of people continue to play week after week.
How to Buy Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Online
One of the most common questions people ask is how to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets online. The good news is that buying tickets has never been easier though the options available to you depend on your state.
In many states you can purchase Mega Millions tickets directly through your state lottery’s official website or mobile app. For example Virginia Lottery players can buy tickets through the Virginia Lottery app or website. Texas Lottery players can use the Texas Lottery app. Illinois residents can buy through the Illinois Lottery website.
In states where online ticket sales are not available you can purchase tickets at any licensed lottery retailer including convenience stores gas stations grocery stores and supermarkets. Simply ask the retailer for a Mega Millions ticket choose your numbers or request a Quick Pick and pay the $5 per play fee.
Some third-party apps and services also offer to purchase lottery tickets on your behalf but it is always safest to use official state lottery channels to avoid scams and ensure your ticket is legitimate.
Mega Millions Cash Option vs. Annuity Which Should You Choose?
If you win the Mega Millions jackpot one of the first and most important decisions you will face is whether to take the cash option or the annuity payment. This is a major financial decision that can have significant implications for your taxes and long-term wealth.
The annuity option pays out the full advertised jackpot amount over 30 annual installments. Each payment is slightly larger than the previous one as the payouts increase by a set percentage each year. For tonight’s $416 million jackpot the annuity would pay out $416 million in total over 30 years.
The cash option on the other hand is a one-time lump sum payment. For tonight’s jackpot the cash value is approximately $193.1 million. This is significantly less than the advertised jackpot because it represents the actual amount of money that has been collected in the prize pool before it is invested to generate the annuity payments.
Most jackpot winners choose the cash option because they prefer to have access to all their money immediately. However financial advisors often point out that the annuity can provide long-term financial security especially for winners who may not be experienced with managing large sums of money.
Whichever option you choose remember that both are subject to Mega Millions taxes on winnings USA which brings us to our next important topic.
Mega Millions Taxes on Winnings USA What You Need to Know
Winning the lottery is a dream come true but it is important to understand the tax implications before you start planning how to spend your winnings. The federal government taxes Mega Millions lottery winnings as ordinary income and state taxes may also apply depending on where you live.
At the federal level lottery winnings are subject to a mandatory withholding of 24% at the time the prize is paid. However since large jackpots push winners into the highest federal tax bracket of 37% the total federal tax burden could be significantly higher than the initial withholding.
For state taxes the amount varies widely. Some states like California and Texas do not tax lottery winnings at all. Others like New York have some of the highest state tax rates on lottery prizes reaching over 10% when you factor in city taxes for New York City residents.
Using tonight’s $193.1 million cash option as an example after the federal withholding of 24% (approximately $46.3 million) and additional federal taxes to reach the 37% bracket the federal tax bill alone could be around $71 million. Add state taxes and a $193 million prize could shrink to somewhere between $100 million and $130 million after all taxes depending on your state.
This is why financial advisors strongly recommend consulting with a qualified accountant and tax attorney before claiming any large lottery prize. Proper planning can help minimize your tax liability and ensure you keep as much of your winnings as possible.
How to Claim Your Mega Millions Prize
If you are lucky enough to win a prize in the Mega Millions lottery knowing how to claim your Mega Millions prize is critically important. The process varies depending on the size of your prize and the state where you purchased your ticket.
For small prizes under $600 you can typically claim your winnings at any licensed lottery retailer. Simply present your winning ticket and receive your prize on the spot.
For prizes between $600 and $199999 you generally need to visit your state lottery office in person or submit your claim by mail. You will need to complete a claim form and present your winning ticket along with a valid government-issued photo ID.
For jackpot prizes and very large wins of $200000 or more the process is more involved. You will need to visit your state’s main lottery office or validation center in person. It is strongly recommended that you sign the back of your winning ticket immediately consult with a financial advisor and attorney before claiming and keep your ticket in a safe and secure location until you are ready to submit your claim.
Most states give winners 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize though some states allow up to one year. It is important not to delay claiming your prize as unclaimed lottery prizes are forfeited after the deadline passes.
Mega Millions vs. Powerball Which Is Better?
The Mega Millions vs Powerball debate is one that lottery enthusiasts have been having for years. Both games offer massive jackpots multi-state participation and twice-weekly drawings. But there are some key differences worth knowing.
Mega Millions uses a 5/70 + 1/24 format meaning you pick 5 numbers from 1 to 70 and 1 Mega Ball from 1 to 24. The jackpot odds are 1 in 302575350. Each ticket costs $5 and includes a Multiplier feature automatically.
Powerball uses a 5/69 + 1/26 format picking 5 numbers from 1 to 69 and 1 Powerball from 1 to 26. The jackpot odds are 1 in 292201338. Powerball tickets also cost $5 and include a Power Play multiplier option.
In practical terms both games offer very similar experiences. Powerball has slightly better jackpot odds but the difference is minimal when you are talking about odds in the hundreds of millions. Both games regularly produce massive jackpots that can change a winner’s life forever. The best approach is simply to play whichever game has the larger jackpot at any given time or play both if you are feeling lucky.
What States Participate in Mega Millions?
The Mega Millions lottery is available in 45 states plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The states that do not participate in Mega Millions are Alabama Alaska Hawaii Nevada and Utah. These five states do not participate in any major multi-state lottery games.
In all other participating states you can purchase Mega Millions tickets at licensed retailers or in many cases through official state lottery websites and apps. The participating states include major population centers like California, Florida, New York, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio which is why ticket sales and jackpots can grow so rapidly.
Tips for Playing Mega Millions Smartly
While there is no guaranteed strategy for how to win Mega Millions there are some smart approaches that can help you play responsibly and maximize your enjoyment of the game.
First always set a budget for lottery spending and stick to it. Lottery tickets are a form of entertainment and like any entertainment it is important to only spend what you can afford to lose. Never spend money on lottery tickets that you need for essential expenses like rent food or bills.
Second consider joining a lottery pool or syndicate. By pooling your money with friends family or coworkers you can buy more tickets without spending more individually. This increases your overall odds of winning though any prize would be split among the group members.
Third if you do win a significant prize claim it carefully. Do not rush to collect your winnings. Assemble a team of professionals including a financial advisor tax attorney and possibly an estate planning attorney before you claim your prize. This preparation can save you significant money in taxes and help protect your newfound wealth.
Fourth remember that every number combination has an equal chance of being drawn. There is no such thing as “lucky numbers” or “due numbers” in a truly random lottery drawing. Quick Picks and self-selected numbers have the same odds of winning so choose whatever method you prefer.
What Happens If No One Wins Mega Millions?
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Mega Millions jackpot is what happens when no one wins. If there is no jackpot winner in a given drawing meaning no ticket matches all five main numbers plus the Mega Ball the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing and grows larger.
This rollover effect is what creates the massive jackpots that capture national attention. When a jackpot goes unclaimed for many weeks or months it can grow from its starting point of $20 million all the way to hundreds of millions or even over a billion dollars. The current $416 million jackpot is a perfect example of this rollover effect in action.
Each week that passes without a jackpot winner adds to the excitement as more and more people buy tickets hoping to be the lucky one to end the streak. This increased ticket sales also means larger jackpots since a portion of every ticket sold goes toward the jackpot prize pool.
How to Check If You Won Mega Millions
After every drawing millions of people are eager to know whether their ticket is a winner. There are several easy ways to check Mega Millions winning numbers and verify your ticket.
The official Mega Millions website at megamillions.com publishes the winning numbers immediately after each drawing. Your state lottery’s official website and mobile app also post results promptly after each drawing. Many lottery retailer terminals have ticket checking machines that can scan your ticket and tell you instantly if it is a winner. You can also check winning numbers through popular apps and websites dedicated to lottery results.
When checking your ticket make sure to verify all six numbers including the Mega Ball and note whether you purchased the Multiplier feature on your ticket. Even if you did not match all six numbers you may have won a smaller prize by matching some of them.
Mega Millions Drawing Schedule 2026
The Mega Millions drawing schedule 2026 follows a consistent pattern of two drawings per week every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Ticket sales typically close about 15 minutes before the drawing so make sure to purchase your tickets before the cutoff time.
For the February 20 2026 drawing ticket sales close at approximately 10:45 p.m. ET. The drawing itself takes place at 11 p.m. ET and results are typically announced shortly after. The next drawing after tonight will be on Tuesday February 24 2026.
Final Thoughts: Will Tonight Be Your Lucky Night?
The Mega Millions jackpot of $416 million for tonight’s February 20, 2026 drawing is one of the largest prizes of the year. Millions of Americans have already bought their tickets, all dreaming of becoming an overnight multimillionaire.
Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned lottery veteran, the excitement is undeniable. The odds may be long, but you cannot win if you do not play. Buy your tickets before the 10:45 p.m. ET cutoff, check the Mega Millions results today after 11 p.m. ET, and keep your ticket safe.
Tonight could be the night that changes your life forever. Good luck!
