Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $680 Million Ahead of Friday Drawing

NEW YORK, NY — The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $680 million after no winning tickets were drawn on Tuesday night. This increase follows 33 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, with the last big prize of $348 million won on June 27, 2025, in Virginia.

The numbers drawn on Tuesday were 2, 18, 27, 34, 59, and the gold Mega Ball 18. Although no one won the jackpot, one ticket sold in Illinois won $3 million by matching all five white balls. The upcoming drawing is scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m. ET.

Players face odds of winning the jackpot at 1 in 290,472,336, according to Mega Millions. If a winner emerges, they can choose between a lump-sum cash option of $318.2 million or receive the prize over 30 annual installments.

If the cash prize is selected, it is subject to federal taxes, which would reduce the payout significantly. After a mandatory 24% federal withholding, the payout drops to $241.8 million. The winner could face a federal tax rate as high as 37%, reducing their net amount to about $200.5 million. Annual payments, if chosen, would initially be around $22.66 million, dropping to approximately $14.3 million after taxes.

The jump in jackpot size makes it the ninth-largest in Mega Millions history. Tickets for Mega Millions are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a cost of $5 per ticket.

Earlier this year, changes to the game improved the odds slightly and increased payout ranges for non-jackpot prizes. Mega Millions officials announced a reduction in the number of Mega Ball options from 25 to 24, enhancing the winning chances for smaller prizes.

The upcoming drawing for the Mega Millions jackpot will take place Friday night at 11 p.m. ET. As interest builds, players are encouraged to purchase their tickets and take a chance at this life-changing prize.