Full Breakdown
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $381 Million on September 12, 2025
9/13/2025, 10:20:23 PM
Winning Numbers and Jackpot Details
The Mega Millions lottery drawing on September 12, 2025, featured a jackpot estimated at $381 million, with a cash option of $175 million. The winning numbers drawn were 17, 18, 21, 42, 64, and the Mega Ball was 7. Despite the substantial jackpot, no tickets matched all six numbers, resulting in a rollover for the next drawing scheduled for September 16, 2025.
Changes to the Game Format
Recent changes to the Mega Millions format have influenced both ticket pricing and prize structures. As of April 8, 2025, the cost of a Mega Millions ticket increased from $2 to $5. This price now includes a built-in multiplier, which enhances non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or ten times. The odds of winning the jackpot have also improved, changing from 1 in 302,575,350 to 1 in 290,472,336 due to a reduction in the number of Mega Balls from 25 to 24.
Prize Structure
The Mega Millions prize structure offers various payout levels based on the number of matching numbers. For instance, matching five white balls without the Mega Ball can yield prizes ranging from $2 million to $10 million, while matching four white balls and the Mega Ball can result in prizes between $20,000 and $100,000. The complete prize breakdown includes:
- Jackpot (5 white balls + Mega Ball): Varies
- Match 5 White Balls: $2 million to $10 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball: $20,000 to $100,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $1,000 to $5,000
- Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball: $400 to $2,000
- Match 3 White Balls: $20 to $100
- Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball: $20 to $100
- Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball: $14 to $70
- Match Mega Ball: $10 to $50
Official Statements and Responses
The Mega Millions website emphasizes that winners have the option to choose between an annuity, which consists of one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments increasing by 5% each year, or a cash option, which is a one-time lump-sum payment. This flexibility is designed to help protect winners' purchasing power during inflationary periods.
Upcoming Drawings and Ticket Purchase Information
Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. In Michigan, ticket sales are available until 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw, while in New York, the cutoff is at 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at various retail locations, including gas stations and convenience stores, as well as online through authorized platforms like Jackpocket.
Conclusion
As the Mega Millions jackpot continues to grow, players across the United States remain hopeful for a life-changing win. The next drawing on September 16, 2025, will see the jackpot increase to $400 million, marking another opportunity for players to try their luck in this popular lottery game.
