Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $497 Million After No Winner

DETROIT, Mich. — The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has increased to an estimated $497 million following no winners in the Friday, Sept. 26 drawing. The cash option for the jackpot is approximately $229.5 million.

The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were 4, 21, 27, 33, and 49. The Mega Ball was also 21. Despite the lack of jackpot winners, one ticket sold in Virginia matched four of the five white balls, winning $2 million.

Lottery players can buy tickets for the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30. Mega Millions tickets are priced at $5 each, which allows players to select six numbers—five from a pool of 1 to 70 and one from a separate pool of 1 to 24. Players can also opt for an Easy Pick, where numbers are generated randomly.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot, which require matching all five white balls plus the Mega Ball, are roughly 1 in 290 million. This high-stakes game draws considerable attention each week, especially as the jackpot grows.

Winning jackpot contestants can choose between an annuity, which provides an initial payout followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year, or a lump-sum cash option. According to the Mega Millions website, this structure helps protect winners against inflation.

For those interested in playing, tickets are available until 10:45 p.m. on the night of each drawing. Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.